Airlines

Lufthansa on the jet fuel shortage in Frankfurt: more fuel on board

The German airline is introducing tankering to reduce the number of refuelling stops at the airport and avoid cancellations. Fraport rules out any risks to the airport

by Mara Monti

15 October 2026

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3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

Lufthansa’s plan: up to eight tonnes extra
Uncertainties regarding supplies: oil pipelines and the level of the Rhine
No cancellations have been announced, but uncertainty remains in the sector

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Lufthansa is taking steps to address difficulties in sourcing kerosene at Frankfurt Airport, one of Europe’s main air traffic hubs. The German airline has put in place precautionary measures involving the loading of additional fuel on certain flights, with the aim of minimising the need to refuel upon arrival at the German airport.

The decision, reported by the German newspaper *Bild*, concerns an operational strategy known as ‘tankering’: aircraft carry more fuel than is necessary for the flight they are about to undertake, so as to have a reserve available for the next flight and reduce their reliance on fuel supplies at the destination airport.

Lufthansa has stated that, thanks to the measures taken, ‘no flight cancellations are currently planned’. The measures will remain in force until further notice and will be updated as the situation develops.

Lufthansa’s plan: up to eight tonnes extra

The guidelines for pilots are said to apply primarily to short- and medium-haul flights, but, according to Bild, the practice of taking on extra fuel is reportedly gradually being extended to long-haul flights as well.

For aircraft in the Airbus A320 family, a maximum limit of eight tonnes of additional fuel is envisaged. The actual amount loaded must, however, take into account the flight characteristics and the aircraft’s total weight. This restriction is also significant from a commercial perspective: additional fuel increases take-off weight and may reduce the available capacity for passengers and cargo. The aim is therefore to ensure greater operational range without compromising, where possible, the aircraft’s normal payload.

The strategy makes it possible to shift part of the fuel requirement to other airports in the Lufthansa network, thereby easing the pressure on refuelling operations in Frankfurt. However, this is a precautionary measure which also results in higher fuel consumption, precisely because of the additional weight being carried.

Uncertainties regarding supplies: oil pipelines and the level of the Rhine

These measures are reportedly due to difficulties in the kerosene supply chain, partly linked to the reduced capacity of a pipeline supplying the German airport.

Another cause for concern, according to *Bild*, could be the low water level of the Rhine. The river’s conditions may, in fact, limit the load that river tankers can carry, thereby affecting the amount of fuel that can be delivered via this mode of transport.

However, this situation does not amount to a declaration of an imminent fuel shortage. Fraport, the company that operates Frankfurt Airport, has in fact played down these fears, stating that routine maintenance work is currently being carried out on a fuel pipeline.

The airport operator also highlighted the availability of alternative supply channels and ample storage capacity, factors which should make it possible to offset any temporary supply constraints. “The airport’s operational capacity is therefore not compromised,” Fraport assured.

No cancellations announced, but uncertainty remains in the sector

The situation is therefore characterised by two distinct factors: on the one hand, Lufthansa has chosen to take pre-emptive action to safeguard the smooth running of its operations; on the other hand, the airport operator rules out, as things stand, any impact on the airport’s operational capacity.

The use of tankering is a risk management measure; it is not necessarily an indication that a widespread shortage is already underway. How long it lasts will depend on the trend in supplies and the possibility of restoring normal supply conditions.

Finally, it remains to be seen whether the logistical difficulties may also affect other airlines operating out of Frankfurt and whether any restrictions will have an impact on the operating costs of air transport. For the time being, there is insufficient information available to determine whether other airlines have been forced to take similar measures.

For Lufthansa, the priority is to prevent supply chain issues from leading to service disruptions, whilst ensuring the continuity of flights until the situation becomes clearer.