Deutsche Lufthansa announced it will cancel 20,000 short-haul flights as the German airline group seeks to reduce jet fuel consumption amid rising fuel costs.

The cancellations will affect flights operated by several of Lufthansa's airlines, with the majority impacting its regional carrier CityLine. The cuts represent approximately a 1% reduction in the company's overall passenger capacity.

The decision comes as airlines worldwide face pressure from significantly higher jet fuel prices, which represent one of the largest operational expenses for carriers. Fuel costs have surged in recent months, forcing airlines to reassess their route networks and operational strategies.

Short-haul flights are typically less fuel-efficient per mile than long-haul routes, making them prime targets for cost-cutting measures when fuel prices rise. By reducing these shorter flights, Lufthansa aims to optimize its fuel consumption while maintaining its more profitable longer routes.

The cancellations are part of broader industry efforts to manage rising operational costs while maintaining profitability in a challenging economic environment for aviation.