Lufthansa cancels 20,000 short-haul flights through October

Lufthansa Group is canceling over 20,000 short-haul flights until October to optimize its schedule and reduce fuel consumption. This measure is expected to save approximately 40,000 tons of jet fuel. The airline cited a doubling of fuel costs, linked by some reports to conflicts in Iran and instability in the Middle East, such as the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, the airline is closing its subsidiary CityLine and retiring 27 aircraft. These cancellations represent 1% of the group's total seat kilometers and affect flights across its six hubs: Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels, and Rome. Daily cancellations began this Monday, starting with 120 flights through the end of May. The company stated that despite the cuts, it expects a largely stable fuel supply for its remaining summer schedule. Further details on medium-term scheduling will be announced by early May.