Finnair has raised its 2026 revenue and comparable operating-profit forecasts after air-travel demand exceeded expectations, despite higher fuel costs. The Finnish carrier now expects revenue of €3.5 billion to €3.6 billion and comparable operating profit of €175 million to €220 million, while preliminary third-quarter figures show stronger sales and earnings than a year earlier.
The revised revenue range compares with the previous forecast of €3.4 billion to €3.5 billion, issued with Finnair’s half-year report in July. The comparable operating-profit outlook has increased from €120 million to €190 million.
Finnair attributed the upgrade to sustained travel demand and its ability to take advantage of market opportunities. Higher fuel costs remain a constraint, although part of the increase has been passed on to passengers through ticket prices. The carrier also faces uncertainty over fuel prices and its ability to increase fuel hedging for 2027.
Unaudited preliminary figures indicate third-quarter revenue of approximately €953 million, compared with €834.9 million in the same period last year. Comparable operating profit is expected to have risen to about €84 million from €50.7 million.
Finnair will publish its full interim report for January to September on 27 October, when it is expected to provide further details on the quarter’s performance.