Lufthansa lowers 2026 profit outlook due to rising fuel costs

German aviation group Lufthansa has revised its financial outlook for 2026 downward, citing significantly higher fuel costs driven by the ongoing war in Iran. The company now expects its annual fuel bill to reach 9.3 billion euros, an increase of 2 billion euros compared to the previous year and 600 million euros higher than previous internal estimates.

As a direct consequence of these rising expenses, Lufthansa has lowered its EBITDA forecast for the full year 2026 to a range of 1.7 to 2 billion euros, down from the previously anticipated 1.7 to 2.2 billion euros. Despite these challenges, the group reported a 30 percent increase in net profits for the third quarter, with operating profits reaching 1.4 billion euros during the peak summer tourist season. The group, which includes Swiss, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings, also confirmed that its overall capacity expansion plans remain unchanged for the year.

The adjustment comes amid geopolitical instability that continues to maintain high global energy prices. CEO Carsten Spohr acknowledged the impact of these macro-economic pressures during a recent conference call, as the aviation industry balances seasonal profitability against escalating operational costs.