Major European airline becomes first to ground planes amid fuel crisis

They've cited increased kerosene costs

The first airline to ground planes in response to the worsening fuel crisis is Lufthansa, as the German flag carrier announced it will imminently ground up to 27 planes from its regional ‘CityLine’ - a move which has effectively axed its regional division.

Lufthansa announced that it would be accelerating plans to axe the regional carrier, citing rising fuel costs and aging equipment.

It said in a statement: “In view of significantly increased kerosene prices, which have more than doubled compared to the period before the Iran war, as well as rising additional burdens from labour disputes, the implementation of the corporate strategy is being partially accelerated. To this end, an initial package has been approved that provides for a reduction of the flight program on short-, medium-, and long-haul routes, as well as measures for early fleet modernisation.

It added: “As a first immediately effective step, the 27 operational aircraft of Lufthansa CityLine will be permanently removed from the flight program starting the day after tomorrow, in order to reduce further losses of the loss-making airline. The Canadair CRJ aircraft are nearing the end of their technical operational capability and have comparatively high operating costs“, it added in the statement published Thursday.

The German flag carrier also confirmed that it would also "withdraw four older long-haul Airbus A340-600s from its core brand fleet at the end of its summer flight schedule."

Ahead of the peak summer season, airlines have warned of fuel shortages within weeks and the potential for travel disruption.

Since the US-Israeli war on Iran started in late February, carriers have raised the cost of tickets, introduced fuel surcharges and axed some routes in a bid to save money.

Analysts have warned that further capacity cuts, groundings and surcharges are likely as a result.

On the other hand, Nigerian airlines warned that unless there is a fall in fuel prices, which have risen by around 270% since late February, it could stop flying as soon as Monday.