Deutsche Lufthansa is canceling 20,000 short-haul flights and several European routes to manage fuel supplies amid price volatility and shortages caused by US-Israeli aggression on Iran.

The company stated that the decision is part of a broader operational adjustment aimed at reducing expenses as fuel costs continue to climb sharply across global markets. According to the airline, the cancellations correspond to approximately 40,000 metric tons of jet fuel savings.

Lufthansa said the affected flights are mainly short-distance routes with lower profitability. The airline has already begun reducing operations, with an average of around 120 flights per day reportedly removed from its schedule in the initial phase.

The group added that it will further review route planning in the coming months and optimize its summer flight capacity to improve efficiency across its global network.

The company also noted that jet fuel prices have doubled since tensions escalated in the Middle East, placing significant pressure on airlines across Europe.

International Energy Agency (IEA) Director Fatih Birol recently warned that Europe could face potential disruptions in jet fuel supply, highlighting risks to the aviation sector.

Other European carriers have also been affected, with Dutch airline KLM reportedly cancelling several intra-European flights due to rising operational costs. Lufthansa subsidiaries have also been considering structural adjustments in response to the ongoing financial strain.

Industry sources warn that continued increases in fuel prices could lead to further flight cancellations and higher ticket prices in the coming period. (ILKHA)