Lufthansa Cuts 20,000 Flights As Iran War Chokes Europe Jet Fuel
Lufthansa announced it is canceling about 20,000 flights this month as the Iran war chokes jet fuel supplies to Europe, the airline said Monday.
The cuts hit routes across the continent and come amid similar slashes by other European carriers that have canceled thousands of flights. Passengers faced delays and cancellations at major hubs while cargo shipments also slowed, pushing up air freight prices and disrupting supply chains.
The episode traces back to renewed fighting and attacks on shipping linked to the Iran conflict in the region. Those disruptions have tightened jet fuel supplies and made suppliers reluctant to send cargo through risky routes. Refiners in Europe rely on steady shipments of crude and finished fuels, so any disruption can quickly ripple through airline operations.
Earlier this year airlines blamed staffing shortages and rebound travel demand for service cuts. Now the focus has shifted to fuel, and governments are weighing emergency measures such as releasing reserves or easing imports to steady supplies.
📌 Key Facts
- Lufthansa plans to cut 20,000 flights from its schedule through the fall to save jet fuel.
- Jet fuel prices in Europe have roughly doubled since the start of the U.S. and Israeli-led war with Iran.
- International Energy Agency head Fatih Birol warns that Europe’s jet fuel imports from the Middle East are now 'almost zero' and that the continent may need to reduce travel or ration fuel.
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