Lufthansa cuts 20,000 summer flights as fuel prices surge

Lufthansa, a German carrier, is reducing 20,000 short-haul routes during the summer season. The airline cited sharply rising fuel costs, which have rendered numerous trips “unprofitable,” as the primary reason for the cuts. Jet fuel prices have doubled since the US-Israel conflict with Iran began, with the war slowing production and transport of fuel throughout the Middle East.

Several carriers, such as KLM-France and Delta, have also adjusted their schedules, temporarily scaling back operations. Others have raised fares to offset rising expenses. Analysts predict that passengers should brace for additional price hikes and more flight cancellations as the situation persists. The Gulf region supplies nearly half of Europe’s aviation fuel, with the majority flowing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s closure of the strait, following US and Israeli strikes, has disrupted fuel supplies. Middle Eastern refineries are central to global aviation fuel networks, and the Al-Zour refinery in Kuwait alone contributes around 10% of Europe’s imports, per Energy Intelligence. The International Energy Agency recently warned that Europe might face a fuel shortage within weeks, though UK officials and airlines claim current supply chains remain stable.

Lufthansa announced on Tuesday that it would trim its European network but assured passengers that long-haul routes would still be available. The move aims to reduce costs by saving approximately 40,000 metric tons of jet fuel. This follows the airline’s earlier statement about accelerating the permanent shutdown of its CityLine service, which includes retiring 27 aircraft due to elevated kerosene prices and labor disputes.

“The first 120 flight reductions have already taken effect,” the airline stated. Routes affected span from Frankfurt to Poland and Norway, with further cuts planned as the company refines its strategy.