Lufthansa has lowered its profit forecast for 2026, citing higher fuel costs. The German airline group shared the news on Tuesday, November 3, along with its third-quarter results, which matched what the market expected.
It now expects an operating profit of EUR 1.7 billion to EUR 2 billion, down from the earlier top end of EUR 2.2 billion. The cut is small, but it shows how hard rising fuel prices are hitting airlines.
The company now expects to spend EUR 9.3 billion on fuel in 2026. Fuel costs across its airlines rose by more than EUR 400 million compared with the same period last year. That is a big jump for a company that already spends heavily on fuel. Prices rose amid tensions linked to the Iran war.
Other European airlines have warned that these costs could hurt their profits. Fares are likely to rise next year, as current fuel-hedging deals run out.
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The third quarter was still strong, with an operating profit of EUR 1.4 billion, ahead of the EUR 1.37 billion analysts had expected. This quarter covers the busy summer travel season. Lufthansa saw strong demand for premium seats. Traffic to Asia and North America also held up well.
Chief Executive Carsten Spohr said higher revenue, steady passenger demand, and strict cost control helped the group absorb most of the extra fuel cost.
The final result for the year is still unclear. Chief Financial Officer Till Streichert said it will depend on passenger demand, fuel prices, and how Lufthansa Cargo does in the fourth quarter.
For now, Lufthansa is coping with higher costs. Demand is steady and spending is tight. But fuel prices still limit how much the company can earn. The forecast shows the pressure airlines face as they get ready for higher costs next year. Passengers may soon see that in ticket prices.