Turkish Airlines posts revenue surge but profit plunges as fuel costs soar

Turkish Airlines reported a 20.8% rise in first‑half 2026 revenue to $13.1 billion, driven by a 17.1% increase in passenger revenue and a 44.1% jump in cargo revenue. Net income for the six‑month period fell 34.6% year‑on‑year to $423 million, while fuel expenses surged 55.1% to $4.32 billion.

In the second quarter, total revenue reached $7.2 billion, up 20.5% from a year earlier, but net profit collapsed 71.5% to $197 million as fuel costs rose 93% year‑on‑year. The airline carried 23.2 million passengers with an 84% load factor and recorded its highest daily passenger count of 352,715 on 2 August.

Despite the profit squeeze, Turkish Airlines posted a market‑value of about $9.05 billion, placing it 16th globally among airlines. The carrier continues to expand its fleet, targeting a 14% annual growth to 560 aircraft, and expects the second‑half of the year to benefit from strong demand in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.