Topic analysis

Lufthansa cuts 20,000 summer flights as fuel prices surge

German airline Lufthansa will cut 20,000 short-haul summer flights across its European network, citing surging jet fuel prices—doubled since the US-Israel war with Iran disrupted Middle Eastern production and transportation—as making many routes unprofitable. Other airlines including KLM-France and Delta have also reduced flights or raised ticket prices, while analysts warn of further fare hikes and cancellations; the International Energy Agency has warned Europe could face jet fuel shortages, though the UK government and airlines say they haven’t seen supply disruptions yet.