Brussels Airlines reported an adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) loss of €70 million ($80 million) for the first six months of 2026 on Tuesday, citing a convergence of external headwinds including elevated jet fuel prices, an Ebola outbreak across East Africa, and localized strike disruptions. The core operating loss represented a 50% year-on-year decline in profitability compared with the first half of 2025, despite the Belgian flag carrier recording steady growth in both passenger volume and overall revenue.
For the six-month period ending June 30, Brussels Airlines transported 4.5 million passengers across 34,200 commercial flights, marking annual gains of 8.1% and 5.5%, respectively. Total revenue for the Lufthansa Group subsidiary expanded by 9% to €821 million. However, top-line growth was eroded by steep operational cost increases, led by a €64 million surge in fuel expenses driven by crude oil price volatility linked to geopolitical tensions and conflict in the Middle East.
The carrier’s sub-Saharan African network—traditionally a key profit driver—faced significant operational hurdles following the declaration of an Ebola outbreak in East Africa. The health emergency weakened consumer travel demand across regional routes while creating complex crew scheduling logistics and travel restrictions. Simultaneously, domestic industrial action further squeezed operating margins. Third-party strikes at Brussels Airport alongside a work stoppage by Belgian air traffic controllers inflicted a direct €3 million negative impact on core earnings.
In light of the underperforming first-half results, persistent geopolitical volatility, and recurring labor unrest in Belgium, Brussels Airlines announced strategic adjustments to its medium-term capacity plans. The airline has suspended plans to add two Airbus A330 widebody aircraft to its long-haul fleet in 2027, opting to maintain its widebody fleet at 11 aircraft to protect cash flow and manage capital expenditure conservatively. Chief Financial Officer Nina Öwerdieck emphasized that while operational stability has improved, strong performance during the critical peak summer travel season will be essential for the carrier to deliver a positive full-year financial outcome.
