Lufthansa increases fuel on flights to Frankfurt

Lufthansa has told some of its flight crews to carry extra fuel before departing for Frankfurt to reduce the need for refueling at the airport. This is due to a temporary drop in the pipeline capacity that supplies jet fuel to the airline's main hub.

Precaution is described as preventive

A Lufthansa spokesperson called the move "purely preventive" and said there are no plans to cancel any flights at this time. The airline says the measures are already working and hopes to remove them soon, though no specific timeline was given.

Airport operator confirms no disruption expected

Fraport, the company that operates Frankfurt Airport, said the pipeline maintenance was planned and that other fuel supply routes and large storage facilities would keep operations running smoothly. It emphasized that the airport's overall capacity is not affected by the situation.

Aircraft carry extra fuel to avoid refueling

The strategy involves "tankering," where planes take on more fuel than needed for their initial flight to Frankfurt, reducing the need to refuel before their next flight. This mainly applies to short-haul flights but also includes some long-haul flights. For example, Airbus A320 planes are limited to an extra eight tons of fuel to ensure they can still be towed on the ground.

Low Rhine levels add to supply challenges

In addition to pipeline maintenance, the low water levels of the Rhine River are causing problems for fuel deliveries. The river is a key route for transporting goods, and lower levels are making it harder to deliver fuel. However, Fraport says alternative solutions are in place to keep operations going.

Switzerland takes different approach to fuel shortages

In Switzerland, the government has allowed the use of up to 30 million liters of jet fuel from mandatory reserves to address supply issues. This is due to delays and cancellations of freight trains from Germany, which have been worsened by the low Rhine levels. Without this measure, fuel supplies at Zurich Airport might not be enough to cover the delays.