Positive development of operational key figures and passenger numbers at Fraport
The Fraport Group started the 2026 financial year with a positive operational performance. Driven by continued strong demand in all relevant markets where the international airport operator is active, progress was evident in various areas. Particularly in the first quarter – traditionally considered the weakest quarter of the year in terms of revenue – operating profit, measured by EBITDA, increased significantly. With a rise of €18.5 million to €196.0 million, operating performance provides a solid foundation for the remainder of the year. Despite this positive development, the Group’s net income declined by €6.7 million to a loss of €33.1 million compared to the same period of the previous year, due to the impact of completed expansion projects.
These figures reflect the diverse influences that shaped the first quarter. The outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War limited growth in Middle Eastern traffic, while significant increases were recorded on other key routes, particularly in Far Eastern traffic. Fraport CEO Dr. Stefan Schulte emphasizes that despite geopolitical uncertainties and logistical challenges, growth remains intact in all operating segments. Furthermore, the management considers the security of kerosene supply a crucial factor for its forecast and reaffirms its positive outlook for the current year.
Group sales and operating results remain on a growth trajectory despite challenges
Fraport Group’s revenues increased by more than five percent to €853.4 million in the first quarter of 2026, excluding revenues from construction and development work (which are accounted for in accordance with IFRIC 12). This increase is primarily attributable to higher airport charges at Frankfurt Airport, driven by price increases, which rose by €12.4 million. Additional growth was driven by ground handling services and infrastructure charges, which contributed a further €9.3 million and €6.2 million, respectively. Furthermore, international locations provided valuable impetus, particularly the South American airports in Lima and Brazil, each achieving significant revenue increases.
Despite challenging conditions, including weather-related flight cancellations and labor disputes in February and March, which caused some disruption to air travel, the airport operator achieved growth in revenue and operating results. Operating profit (EBITDA) benefited particularly from the expansion of the service portfolio and a continuous increase in passenger numbers. However, the rise in interest expenses and depreciation, resulting from recently completed expansion projects at airports such as Lima and Antalya, negatively impacted net income.
Passenger growth and geographical development
Passenger traffic at the group’s airports developed solidly in the first quarter of 2026. At Frankfurt Airport, the number of passengers increased by 2.3 percent to a total of 12.7 million. This reflects the effects of geopolitical tensions and strikes; nevertheless, the airport managed to increase demand, particularly in traffic to the Far East, and thus compensate for declines in Middle Eastern traffic.
Across the entire group, even stronger growth was recorded, with a total of 28.6 million passengers, an increase of 5.2 percent compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Remarkable growth rates were recorded at individual international locations. Examples include Porto Alegre in Brazil with an increase of 26 percent, Ljubljana in Slovenia with 18.2 percent, the Bulgarian Twin Star airports with an increase of almost 16 percent, and Fortaleza with over 13 percent. This development underscores the strategic importance of international markets and the broad diversification of the group.
Forecast and outlook for the year 2026
Based on the results of the first quarter, Fraport’s Executive Board confirms its forecast for the entire 2026 financial year. Despite global uncertainties, a steady increase in passenger numbers is expected, reaching between 188 and 195 million passengers. This forecast is largely based on securing the kerosene supply, which is considered essential for smooth flight operations.
The positive trend in the financial and earnings situation is expected to continue, with operating EBITDA projected to rise to €1.5 billion. At the same time, however, management forecasts a decline in consolidated net income, primarily due to higher interest expenses and depreciation on completed investments. The completed expansion projects in various international markets thus represent both a financial challenge and an investment in the company’s future competitiveness.
In summary, the first quarter of 2026 saw solid business performance for the Fraport Group. Despite external headwinds, operating results, revenue growth, and customer-focused passenger numbers demonstrated positive momentum. The growth strategy, with its strong focus on international markets and the expansion of infrastructure and services, will be pursued to secure its leading position as a global airport operator in the long term.
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