On top of all the baggage and other charges, and the fuel surcharges we’ve almost gotten used to, now some European airlines are starting to charge extra for ‘cleaner’ fuel they’re required to start using.
EU regulations, designed to push aviation toward zero carbon emissions by 2050, require airlines to use at least 2% sustainable aviation fuels starting next year. And, starting next year, on January 1st, Lufthansa is adding fees of €1 up to €72 to each ticket, depending on route and ticket class.
The airline told press that it “cannot bear” the cost on its own. Sustainable aviation fuels, known as SAF, are mostly made from waste oils including animal fat and cooking oil, although some are created from other sources. They can be used interchangeably with regular fuel.
Lufthansa’s fees will apply to all flights leaving the EU, and will also be charged by its subsidiaries including Austrian, Brussels and Swiss airlines. A similar fee, but only up to €24 was added in 2022 by Air France-KLM on flights from their home countries.
