Germany's aviation shake-up: Cheaper flights, green kerosene, and nuclear fuel plans
Germany’s aviation sector is facing major changes as officials push for cheaper flights and greener fuels. Economics Minister Katherina Reiche has rolled out plans to secure kerosene supplies while promoting a controversial new fuel. Meanwhile, the closure of Lufthansa’s CityLine Airlines has left gaps in domestic routes. Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder stressed that air traffic must keep running without disruption. His call came as Lufthansa shut down its loss-making subsidiary, CityLine Airlines, cutting several key domestic connections.
Economics Minister Katherina Reiche has moved to boost production at German refineries. The goal is to guarantee affordable flights this summer. She also presented a sulfur-free fuel, dubbed 'green kerosene', to journalists—though critics later revealed the substance was simply dyed green rather than made from renewable hydrogen.
Reiche’s team is also exploring a new nuclear fuel derived from Thuringian pitchblende. The proposed fuel would power not just aircraft but also household appliances. Separately, she enrolled in a bonus miles scheme that lets her exchange climate-harming legislation for free flights.
In a separate development, Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested that welfare recipients should purchase private planes. He argued this would help maintain basic air travel coverage. Meanwhile, Ryanair announced plans to replace short-haul flights with 'catapult-based public transport' for city-break tourists. The government’s push for cheap flights and alternative fuels is set to reshape travel this summer. With refinery output increasing and nuclear-powered aviation on the table, the sector faces both innovation and controversy. The closure of CityLine Airlines, however, means fewer domestic options for passengers.
