European Aviation Daily: Icarus – 13 May 2026

Research evidence excerpt

European Aviation Daily: Icarus – 13 May 2026

Barclays | European Aviation Daily

Lufthansa: Building bridges with Ufo

aero.de (12 May) reports that Lufthana and the cabin union Ufo are returning to talks after

weeks of strikes, protests and the abrupt CityLine decision. The report says a moderator will

help rebuild trust, with collective bargaining questions not the immediate focus. This comes

after heavy disruption to Lufthansa’s German operations.

Ryanair BER base closure questioned by cockpit union

aero.de (12 May) reports that German pilots’ union Vereinigung Cockpit has questioned

Ryanair’s explanation for closing its Berlin Brandenburg base, saying the decision is “not a

coincidence”. Ryanair is withdrawing its remaining seven BER-based Boeing 737s and halving its

schedule at the airport, with the carrier blaming expected fee increases at BER. Ryanair s facing

contract renegotiations around the system and at 3Q26 results CEO Michael o Leary identified

negotiations in Germany and Belgium as particularly challenging.

Germany moves towards fully digital airport check-in

aero.de (12 May) reports that Germany’s transport ministry has introduced a draft law to allow

fully digital airport check-in. The plan would let airlines process chip data from passports and ID

cards, with the intended benefits of shorter waiting times and lower staffing needs. If

implemented, the measure could support airport efficiency at a time when passenger

processing, security staffing and summer disruption risk remain important operational

constraints. The proposal also fits the broader European push for more digital border and

airport processes, although privacy and data handling will be central to implementation.

Airbus says no Middle East cancellations but flags delivery risks after