Frankfurt, October 13 (FinanceFlashNews.com) – Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa, has announced that the airline will be further reducing flight schedules in Germany, citing rising operational costs. Spohr expressed concerns that these reductions could diminish Germany’s appeal to foreign investors. His comments were made in an interview with Bild am Sonntag, as reported by DPA.
Rising Costs Threaten Air Connectivity in Germany
Spohr highlighted that rapidly increasing costs in the aviation sector are leading to a reduction in flight offerings. He warned that more airlines are opting to avoid German airports or cancel important connections due to high operating expenses.
Both Lufthansa and its low-cost subsidiary Eurowings, alongside competitors like Ryanair, have recently cancelled several flights due to the increasing costs associated with operating in Germany. Spohr emphasized that this trend could have severe repercussions not only for the German aviation industry but also for the country’s overall economic competitiveness.
Aviation Fees and Taxes Add Pressure on Airlines
The German aviation industry has been grappling with high airport fees, the introduction of an increased aviation tax in May, and fees for security checks and air traffic control. These factors are driving up operating costs, forcing airlines to scale back services and reduce flight availability.
Criticism of New Regulations and the Future of E-Fuels
Spohr also criticized upcoming German regulations, particularly quotas for the use of e-fuels in aviation. Although e-fuels are aimed at reducing CO2 emissions from aircraft, they are not yet available in sufficient quantities to meet industry needs. Spohr warned that these regulations could further weaken Germany’s connectivity to important global economic regions.
He expressed concern that these measures will reduce the quality of Germany’s air connections compared to other international destinations, making the country less attractive to foreign investors.
Aviation Industry Advocates for Support
The German Aviation Industry Association (BDL) is pushing for revenues from the increased aviation tax to be used to support the development of alternative aviation fuels. This would align with the coalition agreement of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government and could help reduce costs while improving the environmental sustainability of the sector.
As Lufthansa and other airlines adapt to these new conditions, Spohr emphasized that unless Germany’s aviation regulations and fees are revised, the country’s air travel sector could face long-term challenges.
Key words: Lufthansa, Carsten Spohr, flight reductions, aviation fees, e-fuels, German aviation industry
