The Schlichtungsstelle Reise und Verkehr logged 29,400 complaints in the first half of 2026, a record for any six-month period. Aviation dominates the surge, with 83% of cases—approximately 24,000—concerning flight cancellations and delays. Extreme spring 2026 weather and the Gulf region conflict triggered widespread annulments, while AI tools now enable consumers to file claims more efficiently. Operators face unprecedented compensation demands, straining financial margins and customer satisfaction metrics. The sector’s operational reliability is under severe pressure as dispute volumes reach historic highs, signaling systemic instability in air transport logistics and passenger rights enforcement across Germany.