Lufthansa Group more than offset a €543 million year-on-year increase in third-quarter fuel costs, lifting adjusted operating profit by 6% to €1.4 billion. Revenue rose 9% to a quarterly record of €12.2 billion in the July-to-September period, supported by passenger demand and cost discipline, as well as contributions from Lufthansa Cargo and Lufthansa Technik. The group expects a full-year fuel bill of €9.3 billion and narrowed its 2026 adjusted EBIT forecast to €1.7 billion–€2.0 billion.
The higher fuel expense came amid sharply increased jet-fuel prices. Lufthansa expects its passenger airlines to have hedged about 86% of their 2026 fuel requirements and more than 60% for 2027, limiting—but not removing—exposure to price movements.
The revised earnings range compares with the €1.7 billion–€2.2 billion forecast issued after the second quarter. CFO Till Streichert cited higher fuel costs and the approaching year-end in explaining the narrower outlook; the final result within the range will also depend on demand and Lufthansa Cargo’s fourth-quarter performance.