Lufthansa implements fuel surcharge

Lufthansa is responding to the prices of crude oil and kerosene, which have increased to record levels in recent months, with the introduction of a temporary fuel surcharge for air travel. As of 24th August 2004, a surcharge of two Euros pro route segment will be charged for inner-German and inner-European flights. For the fuel-intensive long-haul routes for which fuel's share of the total costs of the flight is higher, the surcharge will be seven Euros per route segment.

Lufthansa has been able to avoid the introduction of a fuel surcharge for a comparatively long time due to its fuel hedging policy and fuel-saving modern fleet. Nevertheless, the airline stated that high prices for crude oil and kerosene which have persisted for several months are a burden on the airline's expenditure side and required a response.