German airline Lufthansa has announced plans to cancel around 20,000 short-haul flights through October as kerosene prices have reportedly doubled following the outbreak of the war in Iran.
The airline said the decision is expected to save about 40,000 tonnes of fuel and is aimed at reducing “unprofitable short-haul flights” across its network.
According to the company, the first phase of cancellations—affecting around 120 flights per day—began on Monday and will remain in effect until the end of May.
Lufthansa also confirmed that it will permanently withdraw 27 aircraft from its Lufthansa CityLine unit, citing strike-related disruptions and rising fuel costs linked to Middle East tensions.
The airline said the broader restructuring comes amid increasing pressure on European carriers due to fuel supply risks.
Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency has warned that Europe could face jet fuel shortages lasting up to six weeks if supply disruptions continue.