Brussels Airlines adds 170 extra European flights amid rising summer demand

Brussels Airlines will add around 170 additional flights across its European network during the 2026 summer holiday season, responding to strong demand for intra-European travel.

In total, the Belgian carrier will offer approximately 60,000 extra seats, supported by the early delivery of new Airbus A320neo aircraft and a shift in capacity due to weaker demand on Middle Eastern routes.

More flights to popular destinations

The additional capacity will be deployed on several key leisure routes in July and August:

• Ljubljana and Bilbao: three extra flights per week
• Prague and Alicante: two extra flights per week
• Athens, Zadar, Faro and Valencia: one extra flight per week each

“The demand for travel within Europe continues to grow, and we are pleased to offer more capacity, giving passengers greater choice and flexibility,” said Jan Derycke, Head of Commercial Offer Management at Brussels Airlines.

The additional flights were coordinated closely with Lufthansa Group, with other group airlines also increasing capacity where possible.

Kilimanjaro route extended into winter

Following strong demand, Brussels Airlines will extend its new Brussels–Kilimanjaro service into the winter season. The route, launching on 3 June, was initially planned for summer only.

From 28 October to 16 December, the airline will operate one weekly flight, increasing to two weekly flights between 19 December and 21 February.

Geopolitical uncertainty remains

Despite the positive demand outlook, Brussels Airlines warns that the geopolitical situation remains highly volatile, with potential impacts on pricing and consumer behaviour.

Lufthansa Group is currently preparing various scenarios to adapt quickly to changing market conditions, Brussels Airlines concluded in a press release.