In the middle of the summer vacation period, Lufthansa is canceling more than 2,000 more flights at its Frankfurt and Munich hubs due to a lack of staff. A good two weeks ago, she announced that she would be canceling 900 connections on Fridays and weekends in July. Now it will “take another 2,200 out of a total of around 80,000 flights at the hubs in Frankfurt and Munich out of the system – also on the other weekdays that have been less affected so far,” said Lufthansa on Thursday evening.
“The cancellations affect domestic German and intra-European flights in particular, but not the classic holiday destinations that are well occupied during the holiday season.” Flight times could also change. The “Bild” newspaper had previously reported on it.
“Flight safety strikes, weather events and, in particular, an increased corona sickness rate have now put additional strain on the system,” Lufthansa explained the decision. “In the past few days, our crews have reported sick at short notice.” Airlines across Europe have had to cancel further flights for these reasons.
Lufthansa passengers would be informed immediately in the event of cancellations and, if possible, rebooked on other suitable flights. Alternatively, domestic German feeder flights could be replaced by train journeys to the hubs, where the machines then started abroad.
All of these steps are an unavoidable measure “with which the airline wants to ensure greater stability of the flight schedule throughout the summer,” added Lufthansa. The ground handling services at the airports are also suffering from staff shortages.
