Lufthansa Cancels 20,000 Summer Flights as Iran War Drives Jet Fuel Prices Higher
Lufthansa confirmed on Tuesday that it would reduce its European network, stating that passengers would still access the global route network, particularly long-haul connections, but with greater efficiency. This measure is projected to save approximately 40,000 metric tons of jet fuel.
The price surge for jet fuel follows the US-Israel coalition's widespread strikes on Iran, which commenced on 28 February, killing Iran's Supreme Leader and hundreds of civilians, including 110 children at an Iranian primary school. This conflict has severely disrupted oil and gas production and transportation across the Middle East. Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit point for about 50% of Europe's aviation fuel imports, has further exacerbated supply issues.
Energy Intelligence data indicates that the Al-Zour refinery in Kuwait alone accounts for roughly 10% of Europe's jet fuel imports, highlighting the region's central role in global supplies. Last week, the International Energy Agency warned of a potential jet fuel shortage in Europe within weeks, although the UK government and airlines currently report no supply disruptions.
This latest announcement from Lufthansa follows their statement last week regarding the accelerated permanent closure of its European flight offering, CityLine, and the retirement of its 27 aircraft, citing both increased kerosene prices and labour disputes as contributing factors. The initial 120 flight cancellations, affecting routes such as those from Frankfurt to Poland and Norway, were implemented on Tuesday.
