Photo: Lufthansa Group The Lufthansa Group today (Tuesday, August 4, 2026) published its financial results for the second quarter of 2026. The report shows that, despite continued high demand for flights, especially in luxury classes, the company recorded a sharp decline in profitability due to the surge in fuel prices and the impact of strikes at the beginning of the year.
The group's revenue in the second quarter increased by 8% to €11.1 billion, compared to €10.3 billion in the same period last year. However, adjusted operating profit (EBIT) fell to just €383 million, compared to €870 million in the corresponding quarter, a decrease of more than 56%.
Lufthansa explains that high jet fuel prices due to tensions in the Middle East added approximately €750 million to the company's expenses in the quarter, while the strikes in April caused an additional cost of at least €150 million.
Despite this, demand for flights remained strong. The load factor for the group's network airlines rose to 81.6%, with demand for premium classes and flights to Asia particularly strong. Average revenue per passenger also improved, with routes to Asia recording a more than 13% increase in yield.
The cargo division also continued to perform strongly. Lufthansa Cargo increased its operating profit to €116 million, compared to €73 million last year, partly due to high demand for air transport and a 27% increase in yields. At the same time, Lufthansa Technik increased its revenue by 11% to €2.2 billion and maintained stable profitability.
Group CEO Carsten Spohr said that despite the complex geopolitical environment and the surge in fuel costs, global demand for flights, especially in premium classes, remained high. He said that investments in the group's new premium products, including Allegris, SWISS Senses and service upgrades, were starting to yield results, while the Lufthansa brand's efficiency program was progressing according to plan.
The group's CFO, Till Streichert, also noted that despite the uncertainty and the sharp increase in kerosene prices, the company's balance sheet remains stable with liquidity of €10.7 billion.
For 2026 as a whole, Lufthansa Group now estimates that adjusted operating profit will be between €1.7 billion and €2.2 billion. However, the company warns that volatile fuel prices and shorter booking times for passengers make it difficult to provide an accurate forecast for the rest of the year.