GERMANY PERSPECTIVE

Berlin feels the crisis viscerally through Lufthansa's shock announcement: 20,000 flights eliminated by October. Europe's largest airline group is dissolving its CityLine subsidiary, sacrificing short-haul routes to preserve more profitable long-haul operations. Tagesschau, DW, and The Local Germany cover the announcement from complementary angles. Tagesschau's headline—"Lufthansa streicht 20 000 Fluge bis Oktober"—presents a raw fact that resonates in a country where Lufthansa holds symbolic weight comparable to Deutsche Bahn. DW links the decision directly to the Iran war: "The jet fuel crisis deepens as Lufthansa reduces flights." The article explains that 75% of European jet fuel imports come from the Middle East, primarily Kuwait, and only 10% of crude oil refining yields aviation fuel. The Local Germany details practical consequences for travelers: higher fares, fuel surcharges, last-minute cancellation risks. Airlines KLM, Ryanair, SAS, and Aer Lingus have already reduced or canceled routes. EU Transport Commissioner Tzitzikostas declares there is "no evidence of real shortage," but stocks are "under pressure" in parts of Europe. German caution manifests in the tone: no panic, but methodical preparation for a summer of aviation austerity.