Lufthansa introduces Cargo War Risk Surcharge

Lufthansa has announced that for the duration of military action in Iraq it will employ a surcharge for all shipments world-wide.

So far no other airlines has advised such a unilateral surcharge, reports the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association.

The “War Risk Surcharge” (WRS) came into effect March 25. The WRS will be charged per kilogram on the actual weight and will be US$0.10 (CAD$0.16 or equivalent in local currency).

The air carrier says the Iraqi conflict has severely affected routings of its aircraft, which is leading to increased fuel consumption and costs for items such as additional staff, essential aircraft maintenance, extra handling services at airports and substitute charter aircraft etc.

In addition, available cargo capacity on aircraft will be reduced due to the necessary re-routings and therefore greater fuel consumption and cost.