LOT to suspend winter routes from Warsaw and Krakow as fuel costs rise

Polish airline LOT will suspend its Warsaw–Bologna service and flights from Krakow to Barcelona, Madrid and Rome for the winter season. Spokesperson Krzysztof Moczulski cited high fuel prices as a key factor behind the decision.

Moczulski said fuel accounted for about 25% of airline costs in February and could now represent as much as 40%. The carrier considered several factors affecting profitability when reviewing its route network.

Frequencies on selected routes will also be reduced. LOT plans to restore the suspended flights in early April when its summer timetable takes effect.

Competition in Central Europe limits the airline’s ability to raise fares to cover increased costs, Moczulski said.

LOT is expanding long-haul services at the same time. The spokesperson said flights to Bangkok had launched and Hanoi services were planned for late March. Four Dreamliners are expected to join the fleet by the middle of next year to support more frequent flights and potentially additional routes.