Tunisair punctuality improves to 54% in Q2 2026 amid rising fuel costs

Tunisair experienced a slight decline in passenger numbers during the second quarter of 2026, carrying 656,248 passengers, which represents a 1% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. This dip occurred within a challenging economic climate marked by a substantial increase in the airline's fuel expenditures.

Despite the drop in passenger volume, the airline reported a notable improvement in its punctuality rate. The on-time performance rose from 39% in the second quarter of 2025 to 54% in the corresponding period of 2026. However, the load factor saw a marginal decrease, standing at 62.4% compared to 62.7% in the prior year, while the kilometer-based load factor also declined to 71.6% from 75.2%.

The company's financial health was further strained by a significant surge in fuel costs. The average price per ton of Jet A-1 fuel nearly doubled during the second quarter of 2026, attributed to the sharp rise in Brent crude oil prices and a widening crack spread. This escalation in fuel expenses contributed to an increase in Tunisair's overall debt, which was also affected by new credit facilities established in late 2025 and early 2026.

The report also indicated that average revenue remained consistent with the previous year's second quarter. The decrease in passenger numbers is partly linked to the outbreak of conflict in the Gulf region, which has had broader implications for air travel.