Lufthansa cancels 20,000 flights amid Middle East tensions

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FRANKFURT — Germany’s flagship carrier Lufthansa said it has cancelled around 20,000 planned summer flights after jet fuel prices surged due to escalating tensions linked to Iran. 

The airline said the decision was aimed at cutting costs, noting that fuel prices have risen sharply since the regional situation deteriorated. The cancellations are expected to save roughly 40,000 tonnes of fuel, with most of the affected routes being short-haul flights within Europe.

The suspensions will particularly impact Lufthansa’s major hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, and Brussels between May and October 2026.

Company executives said they were working to maintain stability on long-haul international routes, while also planning to retire older, fuel-intensive aircraft to improve efficiency.

The move comes as the European Union has voiced concern about how Middle East tensions could affect energy supplies and global aviation operations. 

GAROWE ONLINE

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