Lufthansa Faces Record Fine for Discrimination

Lufthansa has been fined $4 million by the US Department of Transportation for allegedly discriminating against 128 Orthodox Jewish passengers. The incident took place during a flight from Frankfurt to Budapest when passengers were denied boarding due to claims of not wearing FFP-2 masks and ignoring crew instructions.

This fine represents the largest ever issued for civil rights violations in the aviation sector. In response, Lufthansa has compensated affected passengers with $2 million and initiated a training program to combat antisemitism and discrimination.

The airline expressed regret, attributing the situation to a series of unfortunate errors. US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized that the penalty signifies a strong stance against discrimination in air travel.

Lufthansa has collaborated with the American Jewish Committee to further develop its training initiatives, underscoring its commitment to fostering goodwill, tolerance, and acceptance. The incident highlights the critical importance of clear communication and adherence to civil rights within the aviation industry.