As a result of the coronavirus pandemic and its ongoing and unprecedented impact on the aviation sector, Brussels Airlines has reported a negative EBIT of €-143 million in the first semester of 2021. The non-essential travel ban in the first-quarter and continuous travel restrictions severely impacted the airline's passenger numbers. First half-year revenues fell 45% below the prior-year level, to €138 million (H1 2020: €252 million). Compared to the previous year, Brussels Airlines transported 57% fewer passengers between January and June. The seat load factor dropped by 11.7 percentage points to 60.7%.
The coronavirus continues to impact the financial results of the entire aviation industry dramatically and, as a consequence, also Brussels Airlines. A non-essential travel ban in the first quarter of the year, followed by continuous strict travel restrictions, severely impacted passenger numbers. The Belgian airline transported 57% fewer passengers in the first half-year compared to the same period last year.
As a result, revenue at Brussels Airlines fell year-on-year by 45% to €138 million in the first semester of 2021 (H1 2020: 252 million euros). The operating income of €147 million was 48% lower than the year before (H1 2020: €281 million). The COVID-19 crisis forced Brussels Airlines – after a good start to the year – to suspend its operations almost entirely for the period between mid-March and mid-June 2020. Since then, the production level is significantly lower and not yet back on pre-crisis levels. (€1.00 = US$1.18 at time of publication.)
