Lufthansa Group increased adjusted operating profit by 6% year on year to €1.4 billion in the third quarter of 2026, despite a €543 million rise in fuel costs. Revenue climbed 9% to a record €12.2 billion for the July–September period, while net income rose to €1.3 billion from €966 million. The group expects a full-year fuel bill of €9.3 billion and has narrowed its adjusted EBIT forecast to €1.7 billion–€2.0 billion.
Higher yields and strong passenger demand, particularly for premium travel and routes to Asia and North America, supported revenue. Average yields at the network airlines increased 7%. Cost discipline also helped offset the fuel expense, which the group linked to elevated jet-fuel prices amid the conflict in the Middle East.
Cargo and maintenance contributed to the result. Lufthansa Cargo tripled adjusted EBIT to €162 million, while Lufthansa Technik’s adjusted EBIT rose 54% to €200 million. The group’s adjusted EBIT margin nevertheless eased to 11.5%, from 11.9% a year earlier.
Lufthansa’s 2026 adjusted EBIT forecast now stands at €1.7 billion–€2.0 billion, compared with a previous upper end of €2.2 billion. The company cited an approximately 86% fuel-hedging ratio for its passenger airlines in 2026. Fourth-quarter demand, fuel costs and Cargo’s performance remain factors in where the full-year result lands.