Lufthansa cancels 20,000 flights as fuel prices rise

The German “Lufthansa” group canceled 20,000 short-haul flights until the end of October, in light of the rise in aviation fuel prices and the possibility of a shortage in Europe.

The company announced the cancellation of the first 120 daily flights, with the decision taking effect until the end of May. The group, which includes, in addition to Lufthansa, Swiss Airlines, Austrian Airlines, and other airlines, indicated that the canceled flights would save about 40,000 metric tons of fuel.

Airlines around the world are reducing their flight schedules, which were profitable in light of falling fuel costs, but have now become unprofitable after the average price of jet fuel has nearly doubled since the beginning of the US-Iran war.