Lufthansa has agreed to pay a fine of $4 million for discriminating against Jewish passengers.
Paying a hefty fine
In May 2022, a group of 128 Jewish passengers flew from New York to 
Frankfurt Airport
, where they were connecting. Upon being told there had been alleged misconduct from several passengers, 
Lufthansa
staff in Germany did not allow any of the Jewish passengers to board. Most of the passengers were not traveling together and did not know each other.
According to a report from The Hill, the airline never identified the passengers who supposedly did not comply with airline instructions. Because of its actions, Lufthansa has now agreed to pay the largest-ever fine for a civil rights violation issued by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). Despite agreeing to pay the fine, the airline stood its ground and denied discrimination, saying the incident took place because of inaccurate communications.
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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, said,
“No one should face discrimination when they travel, and today’s action sends a clear message to the airline industry that we are prepared to investigate and take action whenever passengers’ civil rights are violated.”
After negotiating with the DOT, Lufthansa agreed to pay $4 million in fines, half of which has already been paid to passengers as compensation, and the other half which goes to the DOT. Since the incident, the airline has reiterated that it has created a training program in partnership with the International Holocaust Remembrance Aliance (IHRA) to address antisemitism and discrimination.
“We remain focused on the many efforts which have been initiated including partnering with the American Jewish Committee (AJC), a highly respected and globally recognized advocacy organization and thought leader.”
Recent Lufthansa news
Earlier this month, Simple Flying reported that Lufthansa’s First-Class Check-In area had been delayed. In 2023, the German airline announced that the dedicated space would open this fall, but that is no longer the case. The opening has now been postponed to summer 2025.
Lufthansa cited extensive technical renovations in all of the Lufthansa First Class area in Terminal 1, Hall A. Once completed, the new area will have “an exclusive waiting area” and “a changing room with repacking facilities, elegant high tables with seating, and service bars with assistance from Lufthansa staff.”
Like other airlines, Lufthansa is also facing aircraft delivery delays from American manufacturer Boeing. earlier this month, the airline shared that by now, the airline should have received 43 Boeing 787 and 777X (777-9) aircraft. The 777X has not yet been certified and just last week, Boeing stated that its entry-into-service (EIS) is now expected in 2026.
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According to CEO Carsten Spohr, the airline has been affected disproportionally when compared to other airlines. Because of the delays, 23 aircraft which Lufthansa would have otherwise retired, are still in active service. This likely includes several Airbus aircraft, which are some of the oldest in the airline’s fleet.
Two years ago, to compensate for delays of the 777X program, Lufthansa had already purchased 787s. Unfortunately, now, the airline is facing delays with both Boeing widebodies it has on order.