Lufthansa cancels 20,000 flights amid Middle East tensions

Image

FRANKFURT — Germany’s flagship carrier Lufthansa said it has cancelled around 20,000 planned summer flights after jet fuel prices surged due to escalating tensions linked to Iran. 

The airline said the decision was aimed at cutting costs, noting that fuel prices have risen sharply since the regional situation deteriorated. The cancellations are expected to save roughly 40,000 tonnes of fuel, with most of the affected routes being short-haul flights within Europe.

The suspensions will particularly impact Lufthansa’s major hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, and Brussels between May and October 2026.

Company executives said they were working to maintain stability on long-haul international routes, while also planning to retire older, fuel-intensive aircraft to improve efficiency.

The move comes as the European Union has voiced concern about how Middle East tensions could affect energy supplies and global aviation operations. 

GAROWE ONLINE

Related Articles

Saudi Arabia blocks Egypt from joining new defence alliance

They also cited Egypt’s close ties with the United Arab Emirates, amid growing Saudi-Emirati tensions over regional issues, including Yemen.

  • World

    14-08-2026

  • 08:00AM

CENTCOM chief pushes for renewed US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Israeli TV reports

Trump has sought to prevent the expansion of conflicts in the Middle East and has pushed for negotiations in several regional disputes.

  • World

    13-08-2026

  • 06:08PM