Lufthansa Accelerates Shutdown of CityLine Citing Fuel Costs and Crew Strikes

Lufthansa is suspending operations of its regional subsidiary CityLine earlier than planned, citing sharply increased aviation fuel prices and ongoing industrial action by flight crews. The decision forms part of an accelerated restructuring programme within the Lufthansa Group.

The airline confirmed that all 27 operational Lufthansa CityLine aircraft will be permanently removed from the flight programme starting the day after tomorrow, a move aimed at preventing further financial losses at the already loss‑making subsidiary.

As part of the wider restructuring, Lufthansa will also proceed with the retirement of four Airbus A340‑600s and the grounding of two Boeing 747‑400s, reducing long‑haul capacity as fuel prices continue to rise.

To rebalance capacity within the group, Lufthansa is accelerating the transfer of nine additional Airbus A350‑900s to Discover Airlines, strengthening the long‑haul leisure carrier’s fleet as CityLine exits operations.

Lufthansa said the shutdown was driven by jet fuel prices that have more than doubled since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict, combined with repeated strikes by pilots and cabin crew, which have severely disrupted operations across the group.

The company noted that cockpit and cabin crew had been offered transfer pathways at the turn of 2024/2025, including employment at Lufthansa City Airlines under multi‑year compensation terms comparable to those at CityLine.

CityLine’s withdrawal is expected to affect regional connectivity within Germany and reduce feeder capacity into Lufthansa’s Frankfurt and Munichhubs. The group plans further network adjustments after the summer schedule as part of its cost‑reduction strategy.