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Brussels Airlines Faces Financial Setback Despite Increased Flights and Passenger Numbers Last Year: Everything You Need to Know


Published on
March 6, 2026

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Brussels Airlines has reported a significant drop in its profit for 2025, despite increasing both its flight operations and passenger traffic. The Belgian airline, part of the Lufthansa Group, posted an operating profit of just 28 million euros for the year, a sharp decline of 50% compared to 2024. This decrease in profitability comes despite a rise in the number of flights and passengers, highlighting the operational challenges faced by the carrier.

Increased Capacity and Growth in Traffic

Brussels Airlines had ambitious plans for expansion in 2025, aiming to enhance its service and fleet. The airline successfully increased its capacity, operating more than 68,500 flights, marking an 11% growth from the previous year. Passenger numbers also saw a rise of 10%, surpassing 9.1 million. Alongside this, the airline’s revenue grew by 7%, reaching 1.6 billion euros. However, these positive figures were overshadowed by the severe impact of multiple disruptions throughout the year.

Disruptions Hit Profit Margins Hard

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Despite growing passenger numbers and expanding capacity, the airline’s profits were heavily impacted by several disruptions that affected its operations. National union strikes, which occurred seven times throughout the year, cost Brussels Airlines an estimated 15 million euros. Furthermore, the airline was also plagued by unexpected delays caused by drone sightings and a cyberattack at Brussels Airport, which further exacerbated the operational challenges. These external factors led to a considerable loss in efficiency and productivity.

The long-haul fleet of Brussels Airlines also experienced unexpected setbacks. Some aircraft were grounded for longer periods than initially planned due to both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. These disruptions required the airline to lease additional long-haul aircraft, which added to the operational expenses. According to parent company Lufthansa, these maintenance and leasing costs amounted to approximately 19 million euros.

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Profitability Struggles Despite Growth

Although the airline achieved operational profitability for the third consecutive year, its profitability has significantly fallen short of expectations. The operating margin, which measures the airline’s profitability, dropped sharply to 1.7% in 2025, down from 3.8% the previous year. This decline has raised concerns about the airline’s ability to make necessary investments to sustain its operations and remain competitive in the industry.

The chief executive of Brussels Airlines acknowledged the airline’s resilience in the face of these disruptions but emphasized that stronger profits are required to fund essential investments in new aircraft, enhanced services, and improved connectivity for Belgium. The airline has set an ambitious goal of achieving an operating margin of 8% in the future, which remains a key target for the carrier.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Recovery Plans

Despite the financial setback, Brussels Airlines is determined to recover in the upcoming year. With the goal of exceeding its 2024 performance by 2026, the airline plans to invest strategically in its fleet and services. Although 2025 marked a step backward for the airline, it remains focused on returning to its growth trajectory and achieving a more robust financial position in the near future.

The airline’s finance chief also noted that the road to recovery would require diligent focus on managing costs and improving operational efficiency. While the disruptions in 2025 were significant, Brussels Airlines remains committed to its long-term goals of profitability and service excellence.

Brussels Airlines Faces New Financial Hurdles Amid Growth in Flights and Passengers

In conclusion, Brussels Airlines has seen a mixed year, with significant increases in flights and passenger numbers but marked challenges that hurt profitability. The airline’s ability to bounce back will depend on its ability to overcome these operational obstacles and generate stronger profits in the coming years. With a clear target to improve its margins and continue its investments in new aircraft and services, Brussels Airlines is determined to reclaim its position as a leader in the European aviation industry.