Amidst the US-Iran conflict, fuel shortage is becoming evident across the world. As a result, fuel prices are increasing day by day—a trend whose impact is now being felt in the aviation industry as well. While some time ago there were reports of layoffs in an airline, now the news has come that Lufthansa Airlines has also decided to cancel thousands of its flights.
20,000 flights will be canceled
Lufthansa—Germany’s largest and most prominent airline, which has served more than 100 countries for years—appears to be going through difficult times. Reports suggest that the airline has decided to cancel 20,000 of its scheduled flights. For the upcoming summer season, the airline has decided to cancel flights operating on its shorter routes. This decision has been taken due to the rising prices of aviation fuel (aviation turbine fuel).
Will this move lead to savings?
The move by the airline will result in a marginal reduction in the group’s overall capacity—less than 1% in terms of available seat kilometers (ASK). However, this is expected to have a significant impact on operating costs. Lufthansa estimates that by October, the move will save more than 40,000 metric tons of jet fuel.
Passengers will face inconvenience
The first phase of this operational transformation has already begun. As of May 31, approximately 120 flights are being canceled daily, and affected passengers have already been informed. Several routes have been temporarily removed from the airline’s flight schedule. Although this move by the airline will definitely cause some inconvenience to the passengers, the management has taken this decision in view of the current circumstances. More changes may be seen in the near future.