Lufthansa Group increased third-quarter 2026 revenue by 9% year on year to €12.2 billion and adjusted operating profit (Adjusted EBIT) by 6% to €1.4 billion. Strong demand, cost controls and higher contributions from Cargo and Technik more than offset a €543 million rise in fuel costs. Network-airline unit costs excluding fuel and emissions increased by only 0.5%, while the group’s full-year profit forecast was narrowed because of higher fuel prices.
Network-airline yields rose 6.8%, particularly on premium travel and routes to Asia and North America. Capacity grew 1.6%, mainly on long-haul services. Lufthansa Group attributed restrained unit-cost growth to lower fees and charges, reduced project costs, automation and digitalisation, and savings associated with capacity growth.
The network airlines segment’s Adjusted EBIT nevertheless fell to €853 million from €961 million a year earlier. Lufthansa Airlines also incurred about €65 million in costs from strikes during the first half. The figures leave the airline’s performance under pressure even as group results improved.
Lufthansa Cargo tripled Adjusted EBIT to €162 million as freight volume rose 7%. Lufthansa Technik’s profit increased 54% to €200 million, while Eurowings’ Adjusted EBIT rose to €214 million from €198 million.
The group now expects full-year 2026 Adjusted EBIT of €1.7 billion to €2.0 billion, lowering its previous upper limit of €2.2 billion. It forecasts a fuel bill of €9.3 billion. Fourth-quarter demand, fuel costs and Cargo performance will influence where the result falls within the range. Net income rose to €1.3 billion from €966 million, partly reflecting valuation effects and a negative tax effect in the prior-year quarter; the Adjusted EBIT margin eased to 11.5% from 11.9%.