German airline Lufthansa has announced plans to cut 20,000 short-haul flights this summer, citing soaring jet fuel prices that have rendered many routes unprofitable.
The airline said the sharp increase in fuel costs follows the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, which has disrupted production and transportation of aviation fuel across the Middle East.
Jet fuel prices have reportedly doubled since the start of the conflict, placing significant pressure on airline operations globally.
Lufthansa is not alone in taking such measures. Other major carriers, including Air France-KLM and Delta Air Lines, have also reduced some services or increased ticket prices to offset rising operational costs.
Industry analysts warn that passengers should expect further fare hikes and additional flight cancellations if the situation persists.
The Middle East remains a critical supplier of aviation fuel, accounting for about half of Europe’s imports. Much of this supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that has been effectively disrupted following tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Refineries in the region play a significant role in global supply, with Kuwait’s Al-Zour refinery alone contributing roughly 10% of Europe’s jet fuel imports.
The International Energy Agency recently warned that Europe could face jet fuel shortages within weeks, although some governments and airlines say they have not yet experienced supply disruptions.
Lufthansa said it will scale back parts of its European network while maintaining access to its global long-haul routes, emphasising a shift towards more fuel-efficient operations.
The airline estimates the cuts will save approximately 40,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel.
The latest move follows an earlier decision by Lufthansa to accelerate the closure of its CityLine operations in Europe, including the retirement of 27 aircraft. The airline attributed this to rising fuel costs and ongoing labour challenges.
Initial flight reductions have already begun, with affected routes including services from Frankfurt to destinations such as Poland and Norway.
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