The Norwegian Group reported a weaker financial performance for the second quarter of 2026, although the airline said it maintained a strong focus on cost control and customer satisfaction. Norwegian and Widerøe also ranked among Europe’s top-performing airlines operationally as capacity ramped up ahead of the peak summer season.
The group posted an operating loss (EBIT) of NOK603 million for the quarter. Results were affected by the Norwegian Supreme Court’s decision on the airline’s 2020 EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) obligations, higher fuel costs and the timing of Easter.
Excluding other losses, the group reported an adjusted operating profit of NOK213 million, corresponding to an operating margin of 2%. Unit costs excluding fuel declined compared with the second quarter of 2025, while liquidity remained strong at NOK13.7 billion at the end of the quarter.
The Norwegian Group carried 7.8 million passengers during the period, including 6.7 million on Norwegian and 1.1 million on Widerøe services. Norwegian increased capacity (ASK) by 5% year-on-year, while Widerøe expanded capacity by 3%.
Norwegian’s load factor fell 2.7 percentage points to 82.5%, partly due to the earlier timing of Easter this year. Widerøe recorded a load factor of 72.8%.
Looking ahead, Norwegian said booking momentum has improved, with ticket sales now ahead of the same period last year. The airline expects third-quarter capacity (ASK) to increase by 5% year-on-year, with full-year capacity forecast to grow by around 3%. Widerøe expects capacity to increase by 2% across 2026.
