Lufthansa is preparing another round of capacity cuts across its European network, with plans to remove up to 15 additional short- and medium-haul aircraft from service in 2027 as it continues to tackle losses in its continental business.
Speaking at an employee event, Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said the airline still operates too many unprofitable European routes, adding that loss-making services continue to erode profits generated by stronger parts of the network.
The move follows significant reductions already implemented this year after the closure of regional subsidiary Lufthansa CityLine. The shutdown, combined with industrial action by pilots and cabin crew earlier in 2026, left the airline operating around 25 fewer aircraft than originally planned during the current summer schedule.
Despite those cuts, Lufthansa’s European operation remains structurally unprofitable. The latest fleet reduction underlines the group’s determination to restore margins as it pursues a wider restructuring of its core airline.
Spohr said improving productivity—particularly among cockpit and cabin crews—is essential if Lufthansa Airlines, internally known as the “Classic” carrier, is to return to growth. Without meaningful cost reductions, he warned that the airline could eventually focus primarily on long-haul services while transferring much of its European flying to lower-cost group operators.
That strategy is already underway through the expansion of Lufthansa City Airlines, the group’s new feeder carrier launched to operate European routes at a lower cost base. Together with Eurowings, Discover Airlines and other subsidiaries, City Airlines forms part of Lufthansa Group’s broader effort to improve competitiveness against low-cost carriers and rival network airlines.
Further changes expected in 2028
The restructuring is expected to continue beyond 2027. Lufthansa has previously indicated that a larger share of its European flying will gradually shift to Lufthansa City Airlines as the new carrier expands its fleet and route network. By 2028, the group is expected to further streamline its legacy short-haul operation, with additional aircraft and routes potentially transferred to lower-cost subsidiaries if productivity targets at the mainline carrier are not achieved. The long-term goal is to restore sustainable profitability in the European business while allowing the Lufthansa brand to concentrate increasingly on premium services and its intercontinental network.
Spohr also confirmed Munich will continue to receive priority for growth over Frankfurt. Passenger handling costs are about €10 lower per traveler in Munich, making it the group’s more efficient hub. Lufthansa’s remaining eight Airbus A380 aircraft will continue to be based there.
On the long-haul side, Lufthansa plans to place another widebody aircraft order next year, choosing between additional Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 777-9s. The long-delayed first Boeing 777-9 is now expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2027, with commercial service beginning toward the end of the 2027 summer season. The delay means the airline will keep aging Airbus A340-300 aircraft in service for at least one more summer.
