Lufthansa aims to resume flights over Russia in 2026
Lufthansa intends to restart flights across Russian airspace by 2026, marking a significant move to optimize routes between Europe and Asia. This plan comes amid ongoing sanctions, under which Western countries closed their skies to Russian airlines, with Russia imposing reciprocal restrictions.
Source — Airline Geeks
Lufthansa currently trails Chinese competitors in direct Europe-Asia flights, as Chinese carriers fly directly over Russia, while European airlines must take longer detours. This year, Lufthansa is investing in long-haul aircraft focused on direct Asian routes. CEO Carsten Spohr told Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that their market strategy anticipates growth tied to Russia reopening its airspace, likely contingent on the resolution of the war in Ukraine.
Restoring air routes over Russia is expected to significantly enhance Lufthansa’s competitiveness on Asian routes and support the expansion of intercontinental travel.
