ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Lufthansa has announced a major reduction in its summer schedule, trimming 20,000 short-haul flights as the airline moves to offset sharply rising operational costs, particularly fuel expenses.
The German carrier attributed the decision largely to surging jet fuel prices, which it said have more than doubled, alongside ongoing labour disputes with staff.
The airline implemented service reductions because it needed to close its unprofitable CityLine operations, and it had to decommission 27 aircraft from its fleet.
The aviation industry experiences financial difficulties because of restricted global oil availability, which results from the Strait of Hormuz blockades, leading to increased operational expenses for all companies in the field.
The situation has already begun to create financial difficulties for travelers who must pay higher fare amounts. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary warned Sky News that fuel supplies could experience disruption from May if the Strait of Hormuz situation continues, because fuel availability is his main concern.
The head of the International Energy Agency told the Associated Press that Europe has only six weeks of jet fuel supply remaining. Lufthansa calculated that its planned flight reductions would lead to fuel savings of 40,000 tonnes until October because the reductions represent only 1 percent of its total available seat kilometers.
The airline confirmed that it would reorganize its European operations by terminating unprofitable flights from Frankfurt and Munich while increasing services to Zurich, Brussels, and Vienna.
Lufthansa assured its customers that they would continue to receive access to the airline’s entire network and its international flight routes to distant destinations.
KLM cancels 80 flights amid rising fuel costs
Earlier, the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines had canceled 80 flights amid the rising fuel costs. This decision occurs during a difficult time because global airlines face challenges from changing jet fuel prices, which impact their route planning and scheduling, and their ability to make profits.
The first information indicates that the cancellations will start throughout the upcoming month because they need to decrease operational pressure while keeping essential flight services active.
Fuel costs represent one of the main expense categories for airlines, according to aviation industry professionals, because it usually makes up a large portion of their total operating costs.
The International Air Transport Association reports that European jet fuel prices have increased by over 120 percent since the war began.
European airlines face challenges to maintain their flight operations because global oil prices show constant price fluctuations, which require them to adjust their flight schedules and flight paths and cut back on their less profitable routes.
KLM, which operates as part of the Air France–KLM Group, has been working on broader cost-control measures and fleet efficiency strategies in recent years.
Airlines face operational cost increases and environmental compliance requirements while they try to meet the growing demand for air travel, which results in their operational cancellations.
The airline plans to cancel certain flights, but it has not announced any major service interruptions. Passengers whose flights are canceled will receive rebooking or alternative travel options.
