The German airline is reducing short-haul flights through October due to surging jet fuel costs caused by Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure.
8:35 AM
Lufthansa Group said Tuesday it would cut 20,000 flights over the next six months to address surging jet fuel prices and declining energy supplies caused by the war in Iran.
The German airline announced it had already identified which flights would be trimmed through May, with the full reduction extending through October. The cuts are expected to save 40,000 metric tons of jet fuel by the end of October. Lufthansa stated it has secured its fuel supply for "the coming weeks."
The airline attributed the reductions primarily to short-haul European routes, which it said have become "unprofitable" due to soaring fuel costs. Jet fuel prices have doubled since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran, as the conflict has slowed production and transportation across the Middle East.
The price surge reflects the critical role Middle Eastern refineries play in global aviation fuel supplies. The Gulf accounts for approximately 50 percent of Europe's jet fuel imports, with the bulk transported through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has effectively closed the strait in response to US and Israeli attacks, disrupting the flow of energy supplies.
The Al-Zour refinery in Kuwait alone provides roughly 10 percent of Europe's jet fuel imports, according to Energy Intelligence. Europe is the largest consumer of jet fuel shipped through the strait.
Airlines across Europe have warned that the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz would lead to fuel shortages and severe disruptions to aviation operations. Aviation operations in the Middle East and Asia were already affected by the war, leading to flight reductions and fuel surcharges on ticket prices.
Analysts have warned that travelers should expect further ticket price increases and additional flight cancellations as the conflict continues.
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