Tunisair in 2026: The Fleet Crisis, the Recovery Plan and What to Expect On Board

The fleet and the crisis

The shrinking fleet is the key to understanding much of the airline's recent difficulties: with fewer aircraft available, every breakdown or unplanned maintenance more easily turns into a chain of cancellations. The deficit stood at about 282.7 million Tunisian dinars in 2023, up 23% on the previous year. The 2026-2030 recovery plan calls for a capital increase, an assessment of assets and the possible sale of non-essential activities, along with the first Airbus A320neo received on lease from SMBC Aviation Capital in 2025: the stated goal is to reach 18 aircraft by the end of 2026 and 21 including three more leased aircraft with a purchase option.

Routes and network

The network links Tunisia with the main European cities — Paris, Frankfurt and other destinations on the Old Continent — as well as regional links to the Maghreb and the Middle East, and Tunisian domestic flights. The shortage of aircraft forced it in past years to cut some less frequented routes to concentrate the remaining fleet on the highest-demand destinations.

What passengers say

Tunisair's reputation remains tied mainly to the delays and cancellations of the years of the most acute fleet crisis, but the most recent data tell of an improvement: in the first half of 2025 the airline carried 1.15 million passengers, slightly down on 2024, but with transport revenue up 4%, and some local sources report no significant delays for periods of several consecutive weeks in 2026, a sign that the recovery plan is beginning to deliver concrete operational results.

Tunisair can suit those looking for a direct link between Europe and Tunisia at competitive fares who are closely following the signs of operational improvement in recent months. It is a less suitable choice for anyone with a tight connection or no margin for a possible delay, since the reduced fleet still leaves little room to maneuver in case of technical problems. Before booking, always check the updated status of your chosen route: the fleet renewal plan is under way and the availability of newer aircraft may change during 2026.