Lufthansa has decided to cancel nearly 20,000 flights between May and October 2026, during the peak summer season, as part of an adjustment plan to cope with the sharp increase in fuel costs.
The measure is framed within the context of geopolitical tension in the Middle East, with the Strait of Hormuz as a critical point for global energy supply.
No immediate shortage, but prices are soaring
The accelerated rise in fuel prices, which has skyrocketed in recent weeks, the risk of supply disruptions due to instability in the Middle East, and the need to reduce operating costs have led the airline to cut flights.
The adjustment will mainly affect flights on European and lower-profitability routes from its main hubs: Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna or Brussels.
The objective is to reduce fuel consumption —with an estimated saving of tens of thousands of tons— and protect margins in a context of rising costs.
In this context, there are no indications of a specific cut in flights to the Spanish market.
Warning sign in aviation
Despite the volume of cancellations, the reduction is equivalent to approximately 1% of the airline's total capacity, which limits the direct impact on passengers. However, the decision sends a clear signal to the sector: the energy crisis derived from the conflict in the Middle East is already having tangible effects on commercial aviation.
Hormuz conditions global air traffic
The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of the world's oil passes, is a determining factor for the airline sector. The volatility of crude oil and jet fuel is forcing airlines to rethink their operations, with flight cuts and capacity adjustments that could be extended if uncertainty persists.