Lufthansa has instructed crews on selected flights to Frankfurt to load additional fuel before departure as supply capacity at Germany’s largest hub tightens. The tankering measure mainly affects short- and medium-haul services, with some long-haul flights also covered, and is intended to reduce refuelling requirements in Frankfurt without disrupting passenger or cargo capacity. The airline does not expect cancellations and plans to end the measure soon.
The precaution follows reduced capacity on a pipeline supplying Frankfurt during planned routine maintenance. Fraport maintains that alternative delivery routes and substantial storage capacity are available, leaving the airport’s operational capability unaffected and avoiding a supply bottleneck.
Airbus A320-family aircraft are subject to an additional-fuel limit of eight tonnes. Flight planning is designed to ensure the extra weight does not restrict passenger or cargo carriage. Lufthansa has not disclosed how many flights are affected or the precise duration of the instructions.
Separately, Switzerland has authorised the withdrawal of up to 30,000 cubic metres of mandatory jet-fuel reserves for Zurich Airport between 15 October and 1 November. The volume represents about 6.5% of the country’s available reserves. Delayed and cancelled rail deliveries, particularly from Germany, have disrupted supplies, while low Rhine water levels have diverted freight to already congested rail routes.