Lufthansa Group to Reduce Flight Capacity By Up to 25% Due to Coronavirus

The Lufthansa Group has announced that the number of its short- and medium-haul flights will be reduced by up to 25 percent, depending on the further development of the spread of the coronavirus.

The measure is expected to be implemented within the coming weeks.

“As a result of the current situation caused by the accelerated spread of the coronavirus, the Lufthansa Group has decided on taking further measures to counteract the economic consequences,” the company said in an announcement.

The Lufthansa Group airlines are also continuing to reduce their flight schedule on long-haul routes. The number of Lufthansa Group long-haul aircraft currently not in operation will increase from 13 to up to 23.

Lufthansa Group had already cancelled all flights by Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines to/from mainland China until the end of the winter flight schedule on March 28.

The Group is also examining the possibility of reduced working hours in various areas.

On Wednesday, the Group announced that it would implement several measures to lower costs: among other things, all new hires planned for the airline with the crane will be reassessed, suspended or deferred to a later date. Lufthansa is also offering employees unpaid leave effective immediately. An expansion of part-time work options in the context of collective bargaining agreements is currently being examined.