Brussels Airlines achieved adjusted EBIT of €84 million in the third quarter of 2026, its strongest result for the July-to-September period. The figure was 23.5% above the same quarter last year and 6% higher than the previous third-quarter record, set in 2024. The Belgian carrier attributed the result mainly to increased capacity and more stable operations, which also reduced irregularity costs per passenger by 14% year on year.
The airline carried 2.9 million passengers on more than 20,000 flights during the quarter, increases of 3.5% and 1.7%, respectively. CFO Nina Öwerdieck linked the result to the benefits of operating as planned. The quarter also included Brussels Airlines’ annual Tomorrowland party flights, the addition of Cologne to its network through its cooperation with Deutsche Bahn, and a new Business Class aperitif.
A €70 million adjusted EBIT loss in the first half left the airline in negative territory year to date before the third-quarter result returned it to a positive position. The first-half performance was affected by high fuel prices amid geopolitical instability, the Ebola outbreak in East Africa and strikes involving third parties in Belgium.
Brussels Airlines expects business to develop positively in the fourth quarter, while warning that geopolitical uncertainty and fuel costs remain high. An external strike early in the quarter caused cancellations and additional costs; the airline reported that demand remained robust. Cost-optimisation measures will continue alongside planned investment in Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi across the fleet, renovation of its Brussels flagship lounge and new cabin interiors.