Lufthansa cuts flights to optimize summer schedule

Lufthansa Group will reduce its summer flight capacity slightly as part of a broader effort to improve efficiency and respond to rising fuel costs.

 

The group plans to cancel around 20,000 short-haul flights by October, representing a reduction of less than one percent in total capacity measured in available seat kilometers. The move is expected to save more than 40,000 metric tons of jet fuel, as prices have surged in recent months.

The adjustments primarily affect routes from the group’s main hubs at Frankfurt and Munich, where less profitable services are being cut. At the same time, capacity is being increased at other hubs, including Zurich, Vienna and Brussels.

Some routes, including connections to smaller European cities, have been temporarily removed, while others are being consolidated through alternative hubs within the network.

Short-term cancellations affecting around 120 daily flights have already been implemented through the end of May, with passengers notified in advance. Further schedule optimizations for the summer season are expected to be published in late April.

Despite the reductions, Lufthansa said passengers will continue to have access to its global network, particularly long-haul services, as the group focuses on maintaining connectivity while improving operational efficiency.

The airline group also confirmed that fuel supply for the coming weeks is secured, supported by procurement strategies and price hedging measures aimed at managing ongoing market volatility.