Ankara: Brussels Airlines reported an adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) loss of pound 70 million ($80 million) for the first six months of 2026 on Tuesday, citing higher fuel costs, the Ebola outbreak in East Africa, and disruptions caused by strikes. The loss marked a 50% drop compared with the same period last year despite growth in passenger traffic and revenue.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Belgian carrier transported 4.5 million passengers on 34,200 flights during the first six months of the year, up 8.1% and 5.5%, respectively, from a year earlier. The airline said unrest in the Middle East pushed up oil prices, increasing fuel costs by pound 64 million compared with the first half of 2025.

The company also indicated that the Ebola outbreak in parts of East Africa weakened travel demand and created operational challenges because of crew scheduling issues and travel restrictions. Strikes and protests in Belgium, including disruptions at Brussels Airport and a work stoppage by Belgian air traffic controllers, further reduced earnings by pound 3 million.

Looking ahead to 2027, Brussels Airlines announced it will suspend plans to add two Airbus A330 aircraft to its long-haul fleet, maintaining the fleet at 11 aircraft. This decision is due to weaker-than-expected profitability, repeated strikes in Belgium, and geopolitical uncertainty.