GERMANY PERSPECTIVE

Berlin is living the crisis firsthand with Lufthansa's bombshell announcement: 20,000 flights scrapped through October. Europe's largest airline group is dissolving its CityLine subsidiary, sacrificing short-haul to preserve more profitable long-haul routes. Tagesschau, DW and The Local Germany cover the story from complementary angles. Tagesschau headlines 'Lufthansa streicht 20,000 Fluge bis Oktober' -- a blunt fact that resonates in a country where Lufthansa is a national symbol on par with Deutsche Bahn. DW links the decision directly to the Iran war: 'The jet fuel crisis deepens as Lufthansa cuts flights.' The article explains that 75% of Europe's jet fuel imports come from the Middle East, primarily Kuwait, and that only 10% of crude oil gets refined into aviation fuel. The Local Germany details the practical consequences for travelers: higher fares, fuel surcharges, risk of last-minute cancellations. KLM, Ryanair, SAS and Aer Lingus have already reduced or cancelled flights. EU transport commissioner Tzitzikostas declared there is 'no evidence of actual shortages' but stocks are 'under pressure' in parts of Europe. German caution shows in the tone: no panic, but methodical preparation for a summer of aerial austerity.