Lufthansa Group Reports Revenue Growth and 20% Increase in Operating Profit
Lufthansa Group reported revenue of €39.6 billion in 2025, an increase of five percent compared with the previous year. The company also recorded operating profit (Adjusted EBIT) of €2 billion, reflecting a rise of about 20 percent from €1.6 billion in 2024.
The group carried 135 million passengers in 2025, representing a three percent increase compared with the previous year. Seat load factor reached 83.2 percent, remaining broadly stable year-on-year.
Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, says: “Exactly 100 years ago, the first Lufthansa was founded. The values of that time – quality, reliability, and connectivity – continue to make us successful today. Last year we were able to significantly increase the Group’s operating profit and achieved the highest revenue in our history. Our results demonstrate the resilience and stability of the Group. I would like to express my sincere thanks to our guests for their loyalty and to all our employees for their great commitment.
Lufthansa Airlines’ turnaround program continues to be a top priority, so that the operational improvements at our core brand will be followed by economic progress this year.
The war in the Middle East proves once again how exposed air traffic is and how vulnerable it remains, even though the industry is now more resilient to crises than it used to be. The massive concentration of global traffic flows via the Gulf hubs is increasingly proving to be a geopolitical Achilles’ heel. This makes it even more important not to further disadvantage European airlines and hubs. Europe’s sovereignty requires the ability to maintain its own connections to global markets.
In 2026, we will continue to consistently implement our strategy through internationalization, fleet renewal, and efficiency improvements. Our anniversary year makes us proud of our past – and at the same time commits us to the future. We will continue to consistently expand our position as the leading airline group outside the US.”
Passenger airlines performance
Till Streichert, Chief Financial Officer of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, says: “Last year was a transition year marked by important turning points: the Turnaround program at Lufthansa Airlines gained momentum, as well as our fleet modernization. Both will continue in 2026 and noticeably benefit our profitability. In the medium term, we want to achieve an Adjusted EBIT margin of eight to ten percent and have taken important steps toward this goal.
Nevertheless, challenges and uncertainties remain for our company and the entire industry, these days primarily driven by the situation in the Middle East. The crisis there makes it more difficult to provide an earnings forecast at present. Nevertheless, we remain optimistic about the future: we are facing the challenges and for 2026 again expect Adjusted EBIT to significantly increase to prior year.”
Revenue from the group’s passenger airlines reached €30.1 billion, an increase of three percent compared with the previous year. Together, the airlines reported an operating profit of €1.1 billion, slightly higher than in 2024.
The group said demand for ancillary services, including additional travel options and upgraded cabin products such as Lufthansa Allegris, contributed to additional revenue.
Lower kerosene prices and the weaker US dollar also reduced operating costs by approximately €500 million compared with the previous year.
Despite these improvements, the airline group faced several challenges during the year, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, delays in aircraft deliveries and softer demand in certain markets during the third quarter.
Progress in Lufthansa Airlines turnaround programme
The financial performance of Lufthansa Airlines improved during the year, with annual results increasing by around €250 million compared with 2024. The airline returned to a positive Adjusted EBIT margin of 0.9 percent, reflecting early progress in the turnaround programme.
The programme includes measures such as fleet modernisation, operational efficiency improvements and expansion of services through Lufthansa City Airlines and Discover Airlines.
The company expects the programme to generate cumulative gross earnings improvements of €1.5 billion in 2026 and €2.5 billion by 2028.
Cargo and maintenance divisions
Lufthansa Cargo reported operating profit of €324 million in 2025, an increase of nearly 30 percent compared with €251 million in the previous year. The company said stable market demand and business activity in Asia contributed to the results.
Meanwhile, Lufthansa Technik reported operating profit of €603 million, slightly lower than the previous year due to currency effects and tariffs. However, the company signed maintenance and repair contracts worth €8.8 billion, supporting future business activity.
Cash flow and dividend proposal
The Lufthansa Group generated an operating cash flow of €4 billion in 2025, compared with €3.9 billion in the previous year. Adjusted free cash flow reached €1.2 billion, supported partly by lower investment spending following delays in aircraft deliveries.
The company plans to propose a dividend of €0.33 per share for the 2025 financial year at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for 12 May 2026.
Outlook for 2026
Looking ahead, the Lufthansa Group expects further revenue growth and improved earnings in 2026. Capacity across the passenger airlines is expected to increase by around four percent.
The company also plans to continue fleet modernisation, with new aircraft scheduled to join the fleet regularly throughout the year. By the end of 2026, newer aircraft are expected to represent around 30 percent of the fleet.
However, the company noted that geopolitical developments, particularly in the Middle East, continue to create uncertainty for the aviation industry.
Despite these challenges, Lufthansa said demand for long-haul travel has recently increased, particularly on routes to Asia and Africa, and the group is evaluating adding additional flights on selected routes.
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