Lufthansa cancels 20,000 departures

Rising fuel prices following the unrest in the Middle East are forcing Lufthansa to one of its largest capacity reductions in recent years. A total of 20,000 short-haul flights are cancelled until October. This is reported by Financial Times.

The German aviation giant Lufthansa is significantly reducing traffic within Europe. According to Financial Times, it concerns 20,000 departures between May and October, corresponding to a saving of approximately 40,000 tonnes of aviation fuel.

The background is a dramatic increase in fuel prices, which according to the company have doubled in the wake of the conflict linked to Iran. The measure is described as one of the largest reductions in the industry since the unrest in the Middle East escalated.

The cuts are primarily aimed at short-haul routes in Europe - a part of the network that has long had tight margins and high competition.

For the Nordic countries, it could mean fewer departures on important routes to the company's hubs, such as Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport. From Stockholm Arlanda Airport, as well as from Copenhagen and Oslo, departures with lower occupancy are expected to be particularly affected.

At the same time, flights with a high proportion of transfer passengers - particularly long-haul connections - are expected to be prioritised.

The reduction in capacity risks having knock-on effects on ticket prices and availability. Fewer departures may lead to higher prices and reduced flexibility for travellers, while pressure increases on alternative hubs and airlines.