Lufthansa reduces flight schedule due to Iran conflict and jet fuel shortage

Lufthansa to Reduce Short-Haul Flights Amid Fuel Crisis

German airline Lufthansa Group has announced plans to cancel 20,000 short-haul flights through October as the Iran war drives up oil prices and increases concerns over potential jet fuel shortages. The company will focus on flights to and from its hub airports in Frankfurt and Munich, which is expected to save approximately 40,000 tonnes of jet fuel.

The decision follows a previous announcement that Lufthansa would ground 27 planes in its short-haul CityLine subsidiary earlier than planned. The fuel crisis has been caused by the ongoing standoff between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, which is a vital waterway for oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

According to reports, the price of jet fuel has more than doubled in certain markets since the US-Israeli war on Iran began in late February. European aviation companies are particularly affected by fuel price increases, as jet fuel is one of their most significant expenses. Lufthansa has secured enough jet fuel for the coming weeks and is pursuing measures to maintain its fuel supply stability for the summer.

The global price of jet fuel increased from around $99 per barrel at the end of February to as high as $209 a barrel at the beginning of April. This has already resulted in fewer flight options and higher fees for travellers, with many airlines raising checked bag fees or adding fuel surcharges. The International Energy Agency has warned that Europe may have only six weeks of jet fuel left, while the European Union’s top energy official has estimated that the war is costing Europe around 500 million euros ($600m) each day.

Lufthansa’s decision to reduce short-haul flights is part of its efforts to mitigate the impact of the fuel crisis. The company will continue to monitor the situation and adjust its plans accordingly.

Source: Al Jazeera