German flag carrier Lufthansa warned on Tuesday that recent terror attacks in Europe were having a “tangible impact” on business, with second-quarter profits down 17%.
Net profits between April and June came in at €437 million ($488 million), the group said, slightly below analysts’ expectations, who had forecast a figure of €443 million.
“The terrorist attacks in Europe and also the increasing political and economic uncertainties are having a tangible impact on passenger volumes,” said chief executive Carsten Spohr, France24 reported.
“The forward bookings, in particular for our long-haul services to Europe have declined significantly,” added the CEO, predicting a “difficult” second half of the year.
Lufthansa said it expected full-year earnings stripping out costs for the year to come in below the previous year’s. The weak profits came despite the lower oil price, which resulted in a fuel cost boon of €597 million.
Lufthansa had already said last month that the jittery atmosphere in Europe was hitting its business and considered “a complete recovery as not likely anymore”.
