Lufthansa Group announced it is removing a total of 20,000 short-haul flights from its schedule until October 2026. The measure is a direct response to the persistently high cost of jet fuel, which has pressured airline profitability.
The German airline stated the cuts equate to a reduction of less than 1% of its total group capacity. The affected flights are primarily from its Frankfurt and Munich hubs, focusing on routes where alternative transport options like trains are readily available.
Lufthansa emphasized the move is a preemptive adjustment to ensure schedule stability and avoid last-minute cancellations. The airline is also implementing other efficiency measures, including optimizing flight speeds and aircraft weight, to manage fuel consumption.
The decision reflects broader challenges in the aviation industry, where fuel remains a major operational cost. Other carriers have similarly adjusted schedules or added fuel surcharges in response to market volatility.
