Lufthansa is considering cutting around 100 domestic flights per week within Germany as the airline faces rising operational costs and slower recovery in domestic travel demand. The review could lead to route cancellations as early as next summer, according to company statements.
The carrier’s CEO Carsten Spohr said the company is assessing several routes in response to high taxes and airport fees. “Without a reduction in the strain on the location, further cancellations will be unavoidable,” said Spohr in an interview with Welt am Sonntag. He added that operating costs for domestic flights in Germany have doubled since 2019.
Routes Under Review
The review affects routes connecting major hubs such as Munich with smaller regional airports including Münster/Osnabrück and Dresden. Lufthansa confirmed these routes are among those being evaluated for potential suspension. The decision would reduce capacity on short-haul domestic services, which have struggled to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While international routes have largely returned to pre-pandemic levels, passenger numbers on domestic flights remain lower. Industry data suggest the recovery has been hindered by a sharp decline in business travel. Many companies have shifted to virtual meetings, reducing the need for short corporate flights between German cities.
Shift Toward Rail and Cost Pressures
According to aviation industry associations, the reduced demand for domestic air travel has also been influenced by improved rail alternatives and growing environmental awareness among travelers. The expansion of Germany’s high-speed rail network has made train journeys between major cities faster and more convenient, further eroding demand for short-haul flights.
Spohr emphasized that government-imposed levies and infrastructure costs are contributing to the financial strain. “The costs of flight operations within Germany have doubled since 2019,” he said. The airline is urging policymakers to consider reducing aviation-related taxes and fees to maintain competitiveness for domestic routes.
Lufthansa’s review highlights the shifting balance within Germany’s transport sector, where environmental policies and post-pandemic travel patterns are reshaping consumer habits. If implemented, the reduction of 100 domestic flights per week would represent a significant scaling back of the airline’s internal network, potentially affecting regional connectivity and airport traffic across the country.
The proposed adjustments come as Lufthansa continues to focus on international expansion and profitability following a strong summer season for long-haul travel. The carrier has recently invested in new aircraft and service improvements on intercontinental routes, where demand has surpassed expectations. By contrast, domestic routes remain under financial pressure amid rising costs and lower utilization.
For travelers, the potential cancellations could mean fewer direct flight options between smaller German cities and Lufthansa’s main hubs in Munich and Frankfurt. Passengers may face longer travel times or increased reliance on rail connections for domestic journeys. The final decision on the flight reductions is expected before next summer’s schedule is finalized.
