Lufthansa marked its centenary on January 6, 2026, celebrating a hundred years since the founding of the original airline in Berlin. Over this period, the airline has grown into Europe’s largest carrier, transporting over 150 million passengers annually across more than 300 destinations.
The anniversary was used as an opportunity to reflect on the airline’s complex history, particularly its active role during the Nazi regime in the 1930s and 1940s. Lufthansa acknowledged its involvement in pilot training, aircraft maintenance for the Luftwaffe, and the use of forced labor at Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport during World War II.
CEO Jens Ritter emphasized the importance of confronting this dark chapter within the airline’s past. The company highlighted its ongoing efforts to recognize responsibility and promote transparency about its historical operations during this era.
Following its dissolution after World War II, Lufthansa was re-established in 1953, initially operating domestic flights before expanding globally with milestones such as flights to New York and a historic landing in Berlin in 1989, symbolizing national reunification. Today, Lufthansa hosts various commemorative activities, including a special fleet featuring liveries that celebrate its heritage. The airline also plans exhibitions, employee and customer events, and promotional campaigns to mark the milestone.
The anniversary represents both a moment of pride and a commitment to future growth, reflecting on the airline’s legacy while looking ahead to an evolving aviation landscape.
