BA owner’s profits rise by 20% despite drop in passenger numbers last year

IAG enjoys record operating profits on margins of more than 15% at British Airways and sister airline Iberia British Airways’ owner, International Airlines Group (IAG), has announced a sharp rise in annual profits to almost £4bn despite carrying slightly fewer passengers in 2025. Pre-tax profits across the group increased by 20% to €4.5bn (£3.9bn), with record operating profits on margins of more than 15% at BA and its sister airline Iberia. Continue reading...

27 Feb, 11:40 — 27 Feb, 16:30

Moderate (32/100)

2 sourcesNarrow spread2 regions

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Why this matters

The airline industry faced significant challenges in recent years, making IAG's profit rise despite fewer passengers a notable indicator of successful financial management or pricing strategies. Furthermore, IAG's potential acquisition of TAP could significantly reshape the competitive landscape of European aviation.

ℹOnly 2 sources cover this story

Perspective Analysis

AI-generated comparison of how 2 sources cover this story

Both outlets report that IAG, owner of British Airways and Iberia, saw a significant rise in profits last year despite a drop in passenger numbers. While the Guardian focuses on the financial performance, Público also highlights IAG's interest in acquiring TAP.

Coverage matrix

	The Guardian	publico
IAG's specific net profit figure of 3.3 billion euros and its interest in acquiring TAP
IAG achieving record operating profits and specific operating margins of more than 15% for British Airways and Iberia

Covered Divergent Not mentioned

What sources agree on

IAG, owner of British Airways and Iberia, reported a rise in profits.
The profit increase occurred last year despite a drop in passenger numbers.

Where they diverge

IAG's strategic interests and future plans

publico

Highlights IAG's interest in acquiring TAP as a strategic opportunity, linking current performance to future expansion.

The Guardian

Focuses solely on IAG's past financial performance, including record operating profits and high margins, without mentioning future acquisitions.

Key claims5 unverified

IAG's profits rose by 20%.

unverified·The Guardian

IAG's net profit rose to 3.3 billion euros.

unverified·publico

IAG achieved record operating profits.

unverified·The Guardian

British Airways and Iberia had operating margins of more than 15%.

unverified·The Guardian

IAG views TAP as an interesting strategic opportunity.

unverified·publico

Coverage gaps

IAG's specific net profit figure of 3.3 billion euros and its interest in acquiring TAP

Reportedpublico

MissingThe Guardian

IAG achieving record operating profits and specific operating margins of more than 15% for British Airways and Iberia

ReportedThe Guardian

Missingpublico

Perspective Analysis

Comparing sources…

How outlets covered this

Left-leaning

The Guardian