Brussels Airlines reports €70 million first-half loss and cuts planned long-haul growth for 2027

Brussels Airlines reported an adjusted EBIT loss of €70 million for the first six months of 2026, as higher fuel costs, the Ebola outbreak in East Africa and disruptions caused by strikes weighed on the airline’s financial performance. At the same time, the Belgian carrier is scaling back its previously announced long-haul expansion plans for 2027. In agreement with Lufthansa Group, Brussels Airlines will no longer add two Airbus A330 aircraft to its fleet next year. Its long-haul fleet will therefore remain at 11 A330s for the time being.

The airline also confirmed that it does not plan to operate wet-lease aircraft during the 2027 summer season. The four airBaltic aircraft currently operating for Brussels Airlines through the end of October 2026 will consequently not return for the following summer.

Passenger numbers and revenue continue to grow

Despite the financial loss, Brussels Airlines recorded strong growth in passenger numbers during the first half of the year.

The airline transported 4.5 million passengers on 34,200 flights between January and June, representing increases of 8.1% and 5.5%, respectively, compared with the same period in 2025. Revenue increased by 9.5%.

The stronger passenger growth compared with the number of flights indicates that the airline transported more passengers per flight during the first half of the year.

Brussels Airlines also says its operational stability improved, resulting in higher passenger satisfaction and lower costs associated with disruptions. Irregularity costs per passenger fell by 16%.

Nevertheless, adjusted EBIT deteriorated by 50% compared with the first half of 2025, resulting in a €70 million operating loss.

Fuel costs surge by €64 million

One of the biggest factors behind the deterioration was the sharp increase in fuel costs.

Brussels Airlines says fuel expenses were €64 million higher than during the same period last year. The airline attributes this increase partly to higher oil prices following unrest in the Middle East.

The carrier was also affected by an Ebola outbreak reported in parts of East Africa from May onwards. Brussels Airlines says the outbreak reduced travel demand and created additional operational complexity, including crew scheduling challenges and destination restrictions imposed by certain countries.

The airline has an extensive African network and had also launched flights to Kilimanjaro in Tanzania during the first half of the year.

Strikes add further pressure

Disruptions caused by third parties also affected the airline’s results.

National demonstrations and strikes in Belgium caused significant disruption at Brussels Airport in March and May. In early June, a strike at Belgian air traffic control provider Skeyes brought all flight movements in Belgium to a halt for several hours.

Brussels Airlines estimates that these third-party disruptions had a negative earnings impact of approximately €3 million.

The airline nevertheless stresses that its own operational performance improved during the period, with fewer irregularity-related costs per passenger.

Positive outlook for the second half

Despite the difficult first half, Brussels Airlines remains confident that it can achieve a positive full-year result.

The airline says its summer production is higher than in 2025 and that a successful and operationally stable summer season will be crucial to reaching positive full-year results.

“We have already navigated some storms this year, and now a successful Summer will be more crucial than ever to achieve positive full-year results,” said Nina Öwerdieck, Chief Financial Officer of Brussels Airlines.

The carrier also thanked its employees for their efforts during what it described as demanding months.

During the second half of 2026, Brussels Airlines plans to introduce high-speed Wi-Fi on the first aircraft of its fleet, reopen its fully renovated lounge at Brussels Airport and further expand its network.

Long-haul expansion put on hold

The more cautious approach becomes particularly clear in the airline’s outlook for 2027.

Brussels Airlines says that profitability below expectations, repeated strikes in Belgium and the current geopolitical situation have prompted a more cautious approach to the coming years.

As a result, the airline will not add the two additional Airbus A330s that had previously been announced for 2027. The long-haul fleet will remain at 11 aircraft.

The four airBaltic aircraft currently operating for Brussels Airlines under a wet-lease arrangement will also not return for the 2027 summer season.

This means that Brussels Airlines is effectively moving away from the additional long-haul capacity previously planned for next year, while also ending its reliance on wet-lease capacity for the summer season.

New long-haul cabins remain on track

Despite the decision to slow fleet growth, Brussels Airlines is maintaining its investment in the passenger product.

The airline says its multi-million-euro programme to introduce completely new cabins on its long-haul fleet remains on schedule.

The new Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class cabins are planned to be unveiled during 2027.

The combination of the cabin investment and the decision to hold the A330 fleet at 11 aircraft suggests that Brussels Airlines is focusing on improving the profitability and product offering of its existing long-haul operation rather than pursuing the previously planned fleet expansion.

For now, the airline is therefore entering the second half of 2026 with a clear priority: make the stronger summer production work, restore profitability and approach 2027 more cautiously after a challenging start to the year.