airBaltic posts record February passenger numbers despite lower load factor

airBaltic reported 312,200 passengers in February 2026, an 8% year-on-year increase and the highest February traffic in the airline’s history.

The carrier operated 3,114 flights, up 6.8%, reflecting continued network expansion. However, the load factor declined slightly to 75.8% (-1.2 percentage points), mainly due to capacity growth outpacing demand during the low winter season.

Key February 2026 Metrics

• Passengers: 312,200 (+8%)

• Flights: 3,114 (+6.8%)

• Load factor: 75.8% (-1.2pp)

For the January–February 2026 period, airBaltic carried 644,300 passengers, a 4.5% increase year-on-year and another record for the first two months of a year.

The results build on a strong 2025, when the airline transported 5.2 million passengers and operated 48,300 flights, both representing growth over the previous year.

Takeaway: airBaltic continues to expand capacity and grow passenger volumes, but the softening load factor indicates demand is not fully keeping pace with supply during off-peak months.