Lufthansa Cancels 20,000 Flights to Conserve Fuel
Lufthansa axes 20,000 flights as fuel crisis deepens across Europe
The German airline Lufthansa has canceled 20,000 flights from May to October in an effort to conserve fuel. The reduction primarily affects unprofitable routes from Munich and Frankfurt, the airline announced. This decision is expected to save around 40,000 tons of aviation fuel.
The move comes as the cost of fuel has doubled since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Lufthansa will publish its summer flight schedule at the end of April or beginning of May.
On April 17, IATA Director General Willie Walsh warned Europeans of possible flight cancellations from the end of May due to a shortage of aviation fuel. The association is working to ensure the safety of alternative fuel supplies.
On April 16, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, stated that Europe's aviation fuel reserves are sufficient for about six weeks. He attributed the shortage to the halt in supplies of oil, gas, and other essential resources through the Strait of Hormuz.
