Germany’s flagship carrier Lufthansa announced plans to cancel 20,000 short-haul flights across its network through October, as airlines grapple with surging fuel costs driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Iran conflict.
The airline said the move is aimed at saving more than 40,000 metric tons of jet fuel, as global energy prices spike following disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for roughly a fifth of the world’s energy supply.
According to company statements reported by Politico Europe, fuel costs have effectively doubled in recent weeks, prompting a reassessment of flight schedules. The first wave of cancellations began earlier this week, with around 120 flights already removed from operation.
Lufthansa indicated that its medium-term flight planning remains under review, with updated schedules expected by late April or early May. Affected passengers have been notified as the airline moves to adjust capacity in response to market conditions.
The cancellations will affect several major European hubs, including Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels, and Rome. Many of the impacted routes were previously operated by Lufthansa’s regional subsidiary, CityLine, which the group recently decided to phase out ahead of schedule.
The company confirmed that its entire CityLine fleet of 27 aircraft is being withdrawn from service early, as part of broader cost-control measures tied to fuel price volatility and supply constraints.
Lufthansa’s decision reflects a wider trend across the aviation sector. Scandinavian carrier SAS has reportedly canceled around 1,000 flights for similar reasons, while Air France-KLM has introduced additional surcharges of up to €100 on long-haul tickets.
Despite the procedures, Lufthansa stated that its fuel supplies remain secured for the coming weeks, offering some near-term operational stability.
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