22.04.2026 08:00
Rising jet fuel prices due to tensions in the Middle East have put European aviation in a difficult position. Lufthansa, due to cost pressures, has canceled 20,000 short-haul flights until October and has begun removing approximately 120 daily flights from its schedule. While increasing costs are affecting other companies as well, concerns about a fuel crisis and capacity reduction in the sector are growing.
Rapidly rising jet fuel prices amid tensions in the Middle East have begun to shake the European aviation sector. Due to increasing cost pressures, German airline giant Lufthansa has decided to remove thousands of flights from its schedule.
20,000 FLIGHTS REMOVED FROM SCHEDULE
Lufthansa announced that it will cancel 20,000 short-haul flights planned until October due to the sharp rise in jet fuel prices. The company is opting to reduce capacity by optimizing flight options, especially during the summer period.
FUEL PRICES HAVE DOUBLED
The company's statement emphasized that jet fuel prices have approximately doubled since the conflicts began in the Middle East. It was stated that the canceled flights are equivalent to about 40,000 metric tons of jet fuel.
UNPROFITABLE ROUTES TARGETED
Under the new planning, the Lufthansa Group aims to reduce particularly unprofitable short-haul flights. In contrast, long-haul flights and global connections will be preserved, but a more efficient structure will be established.
120 FLIGHTS CANCELED DAILY
The company announced that, as the first step of the new strategy, approximately 120 flights per day have begun to be canceled. It was reported that in the coming months, route planning will also be reshaped in parallel with the capacity reduction.
FUEL CRISIS ALARM IN EUROPE
International Energy Agency Chief Fatih Birol warned last week that Europe could face a risk of jet fuel shortage in a short time. This statement further increased concerns in the sector.
DOMINO EFFECT IN THE SECTOR
The increase in jet fuel costs is affecting not only Lufthansa but also other airlines. Netherlands-based KLM announced it will cancel 160 intra-European flights, while Lufthansa also decided to halt the operations of its subsidiary CityLine due to cost pressures.