Lufthansa, the German airline giant, recently announced its decision to stop flying between Istanbul and Munich. The move came as a surprise for many, as Lufthansa has been serving the Istanbul-Munich route for several years. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Lufthansa’s decision and analyze the various factors that contributed to it.
History
Lufthansa has a long history of operations in Turkey. The airline started flights to Istanbul in the 1950s and has since expanded its presence in the country. Lufthansa currently operates flights to Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, among other cities in Turkey. Istanbul has been a key destination for Lufthansa, with the airline operating multiple daily flights between Istanbul and several European cities, including Munich.
Market Analysis
The Istanbul-Munich route is a highly competitive market, with several airlines operating flights between the two cities. Turkish Airlines, the national carrier of Turkey, is the dominant player on this route, with multiple flights per day. Other airlines, such as Pegasus Airlines, SunExpress, and Air Dolomiti, also operate flights between Istanbul and Munich. The competition on this route has increased in recent years, and Lufthansa has struggled to maintain its market share.
Financial Performance
Lufthansa’s profitability on the Istanbul-Munich route has been declining in recent years. The airline has faced intense competition from Turkish Airlines, which has a strong presence in Istanbul and offers attractive fares. Lufthansa has also been affected by the weakening of the Turkish lira, which has made it more expensive for Turkish passengers to travel abroad. These factors have led to a decline in Lufthansa’s passenger numbers and revenue on the Istanbul-Munich route.
COVID-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Lufthansa’s operations in Turkey. The airline has suspended most of its flights to Turkey, including the Istanbul-Munich route, due to travel restrictions and reduced demand. The pandemic has caused a sharp decline in air travel globally, and Lufthansa has had to make several changes to its operations to cope with the situation.
Travel Restrictions
The Turkish government has imposed several travel restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These restrictions have affected Lufthansa’s operations in Turkey, as the airline has had to suspend flights to comply with the regulations. The restrictions have also made it difficult for passengers to travel between Istanbul and Munich, as they have had to navigate the changing rules and regulations.
Fleet Management
Lufthansa has been making several changes to its fleet in recent years, which have affected its operations in Turkey. The airline has been phasing out its older aircraft and replacing them with newer, more fuel-efficient models. This has led to a reduction in the number of seats available on some routes, including the Istanbul-Munich route. The change in fleet has also affected Lufthansa’s ability to offer competitive fares on this route.
Strategic Focus
Lufthansa has been focusing on other markets in recent years, which has affected its operations in Turkey. The airline has been expanding its presence in Asia and other regions, while reducing its focus on some European markets. This shift in focus has led to a reduction in Lufthansa’s capacity on the Istanbul-Munich route, as the airline has been allocating its resources to other markets.
Customer Feedback
Lufthansa’s decision to stop flying between Istanbul and Munich has been met with mixed reactions from passengers. Some passengers have expressed disappointment at the loss of a convenient and reliable route, while others have criticized Lufthansa’s fares and service quality on this route. The feedback from passengers has highlighted some of the challenges that Lufthansa has faced in maintaining its presence in Turkey.
Future Prospects
Lufthansa has stated that it remains committed to the Turkish market and is exploring new opportunities to serve its customers. The airline has announced plans to launch flights to Bodrum, a popular tourist destination in Turkey, in the summer of 2021. Lufthansa has also stated that it will continue to monitor the market and may resume flights to Istanbul in the future, depending on demand and market conditions.
Conclusion
Lufthansa’s decision to stop flying between Istanbul and Munich was influenced by several factors, including intense competition, declining profitability, travel restrictions, and changes in the airline’s strategic focus. While the move may have disappointed some passengers, Lufthansa has stated that it remains committed to the Turkish market and will continue to explore new opportunities to serve its customers.
Recommendations
To resume Istanbul-Munich flights, Lufthansa can consider reducing its fares, enhancing its service quality, and offering more connections to its global network. The airline can also explore new partnership opportunities with Turkish carriers to expand its reach in the Turkish market. Finally, Lufthansa can closely monitor market conditions and adjust its capacity and fares accordingly to remain competitive.
