Lufthansa is having aircraft on selected routes carry additional fuel before departing for Frankfurt as the airport faces restrictions in jet-fuel supply. The tankering measure, initially focused on short- and medium-haul services and extended to selected long-haul flights, is intended to reduce or avoid refuelling at the German hub. Lufthansa does not currently expect flight cancellations, while Airbus A320-family aircraft face an operational fuel-load limit of eight tonnes.
The pressure on Frankfurt’s fuel logistics is linked to reduced capacity in the pipeline connection serving the airport. Fraport has attributed the constraint to pipeline maintenance and does not consider it an airport-wide fuel shortage, citing alternative supply routes and storage capacity.
Low water levels on the Rhine have also reportedly limited the quantity of jet fuel that tankers can transport to the airport’s Main terminal. Lufthansa’s tankering instructions are therefore being applied until further notice and will be adjusted as supply conditions change.
Carrying additional fuel increases aircraft weight and requires flight planners to protect available payload for passengers and cargo. The measure can also increase fuel consumption and operating costs, even if the published schedule remains intact. The number of affected flights, the duration of the restrictions and Frankfurt’s remaining fuel inventory have not been disclosed.