Lufthansa Retains Domestic Routes Following Air Travel Tax Reduction

The German airline Lufthansa has announced its decision to maintain several domestic flight routes during the upcoming summer season, following the government's agreement to lower the air travel tax effective July 2026. This move aims to support the aviation sector by reducing operational costs, though it is not expected to immediately impact ticket prices for consumers.

The recent decision by the governing coalition to decrease the air travel tax is intended to provide financial relief to German airlines. Lufthansa has responded by declaring it will not eliminate additional domestic routes from its summer flight schedule. This ensures continued service on routes previously considered vulnerable due to high operational expenses.

Among the routes to be preserved are flights connecting Munich to Münster/Osnabrück, along with improved prospects for the Dresden airport. Lufthansa also plans to sustain its level of service at the Bremen and Hanover airports. Similarly, the airline's subsidiary, Eurowings, will maintain its existing operations at Stuttgart and Hamburg airports.

However, Lufthansa confirmed that reductions previously outlined in October will proceed as planned. These include the removal of approximately 50 feeder flights per week during the summer schedule of 2026. The airline clarified that these changes involve a decrease in flight frequency rather than the complete discontinuation of service to affected airports, ensuring ongoing connectivity albeit with fewer departures.

Despite the tax reduction, Lufthansa does not anticipate an immediate drop in airfares. Company representatives indicated that several factors influence ticket pricing, including flight frequency, passenger demand, and overall operational and location-specific costs. The company highlighted that lowering the air travel tax alone is insufficient to drive down prices, calling for further reductions in air traffic control and airport security fees to achieve meaningful cost savings for travelers.

Political discussions have included calls for airlines to offer more affordable fares in light of reduced tax burdens. Nevertheless, Lufthansa maintains that a comprehensive approach addressing all cost factors is necessary before any potential fare adjustments can be realized.

In response to suggestions raised during international climate policy discussions regarding the introduction of additional charges for business class and private jet passengers, Lufthansa emphasized its commitment to environmental sustainability through technological innovation. The airline intends to focus on fleet modernization, sustainable aviation fuel adoption, and operational efficiencies rather than imposing further fees on specific customer segments.

Lufthansa reiterated its goal to remain competitive and financially stable. Investments are being directed towards acquiring new aircraft that offer approximately 30 percent lower carbon emissions compared to their predecessors. The carrier also underlined the importance of maintaining a diverse and attractive range of offerings across all cabin classes to ensure success in global markets.

Overall, Lufthansa's measures are designed to balance economic stability, environmental responsibility, and continued service availability for passengers across Germany, as the aviation industry adapts to evolving regulatory and market conditions.