Lufthansa has announced it will cut around 20,000 short-haul European flights this summer, citing soaring jet fuel prices that have made many routes unprofitable. Fuel costs have surged sharply following tensions in the Middle East, particularly linked to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which has disrupted fuel production and transport.

The airline said the cuts would help save approximately 40,000 metric tons of fuel and will largely result from the shutdown of its CityLine service. Several destinations, including Cork, Stuttgart, and Trondheim, will be temporarily suspended. Affected passengers will either receive refunds or be rebooked on partner airlines such as SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and ITA Airways where possible.

Industry-wide, airlines are responding to rising costs by reducing flights and increasing ticket prices, with analysts warning of further disruptions ahead. Concerns over jet fuel shortages in Europe are growing, prompting the EU to establish a monitoring system, although officials say supply has not yet been significantly affected.

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