Brussels Airlines reported an adjusted EBIT loss of €55 million for the first quarter of 2026, representing a 4% decline compared with the same period last year as rising fuel costs, geopolitical instability and domestic disruptions weighed on performance.

Despite the loss, the Belgian carrier recorded strong passenger growth and higher revenues during the first three months of the year.

Passenger Numbers And Revenue Continue To Grow

Brussels Airlines operated more than 15,000 flights during the first quarter, carrying 1.9 million passengers across its network.

The airline increased flight operations by 11% year-on-year, while total revenue rose 12.8% to €343 million.

The strongest performance was recorded during January and February, when available seat kilometers increased by 18% compared with the same period in 2025.

Passenger demand remained particularly strong on routes to sub-Saharan Africa, one of the airline’s key long-haul markets.

March Disruptions Impacted Airline Performance

The positive momentum slowed significantly in March after a national manifestation in Belgium on March 12 disrupted operations and forced Brussels Airlines to cancel parts of its planned schedule.

The airline said the recurring disruptions continue to negatively affect passengers, employees and overall financial performance, despite the carrier itself not being directly involved in the actions.

As a result, capacity growth in March slowed to just 1% year-on-year.

Fuel Costs Surge Amid Middle East Tensions

Brussels Airlines also faced sharply rising fuel expenses during March as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East impacted global energy markets.

Fuel cost per available seat kilometer increased by approximately 14% compared with the same period last year, placing additional pressure on operating results.

The airline said Lufthansa Group’s fuel hedging strategy helped soften the financial impact compared with other airlines, although costs still rose significantly.

The carrier noted that the situation highlights how sensitive airline profitability remains to geopolitical developments and fuel market volatility.

Airline Adjusts Capacity Ahead Of Summer Season

Looking ahead to summer 2026, Brussels Airlines said it is redeploying capacity across its European network following the cancellation of some Middle East flights and adjustments involving one Airbus A320neo aircraft.

Chief Financial Officer Nina Öwerdieck said the airline must remain flexible in response to rapidly changing global conditions.

“The world today is so volatile that it is impossible to predict where we will be in just a few weeks’ time,” Öwerdieck said.

She added that Brussels Airlines continues investing in its long-term strategy through fleet renewal and infrastructure upgrades, including the arrival of new Airbus A320neo aircraft and the renovation of its airport lounge, The Loft.

Carrier Maintains Cautious Outlook

Brussels Airlines said it will continue focusing on operational reliability, cost control and customer experience as uncertainty persists across the aviation sector.

The airline warned that geopolitical tensions, fuel price volatility and recurring domestic disruptions are likely to continue creating operational challenges in the months ahead.