German national airline Lufthansa celebrates its centenary after a period of strikes and rising costs The carrier was relaunched in 1955, having been part of Germany’s state structure under the Nazis The first of a series of peace rallies gets underway today, an Easter tradition each year Rallies and events are planned in some 100 towns and cities across Germany over the weekend
Here are the latest headlines from and about Germany on Thursday, April 2:
Thousands expected at Easter peace marches
Thousands of people are expected to join traditional Easter peace marches across Germany this year.
Organizers said more than 100 towns and cities had planned rallies and bike rides under the slogan “Refuse wars — create peace.”
The Peace Cooperative Network said it was cautiously optimistic that participation would exceed last year’s turnout. More than 40,000 people joined the marches in 2025, a sharp rise from previous years.
The movement is calling on the German government to pursue diplomatic efforts to end conflicts, strengthen international law, and support those affected by war. Organizers are also opposing global rearmament and warning against any reintroduction of conscription in Germany.
Events are beginning Thursday and Friday, with most scheduled for Saturday and Monday. A key march, the three-day Rhein-Ruhr route, is set to run from Duisburg to Dortmund starting Saturday.
Lufthansa marks anniversary amid fresh challenges
Lufthansa is marking its anniversary with major celebrations while facing new economic and geopolitical pressures.
Company CEO Carsten Spohr has prepared events in Frankfurt and beyond, even as rising fuel costs linked to the Iran war weigh on the airline’s outlook.
The company is celebrating the origins of Deutsche Luft Hansa AG, whose first scheduled flight departed Berlin Tempelhof Airport for Zurich on April 6, 1926. The anniversary includes the opening of a new visitor center, “Hangar One,” at Lufthansa’s Frankfurt headquarters, showcasing early aviation history.
The modern Lufthansa has also acknowledged its full historical legacy, including ties to the Nazi era, when the company was integrated into state structures and relied on forced labor.
Today’s airline, relaunched in 1955, grew into a global aviation group and co-founded the Star Alliance group of airlines. As an operator, the brand now also includes carriers such as Swiss, Austrian, and Brussels Airlines.
Despite rising revenue to €39.6 billion ($45.7 billion), profitability has weakened, with lower net income and concerns from investors. A restructuring program is underway, including plans to cut around 4,000 jobs.
The outlook remains uncertain. The Iran conflict has driven up fuel costs and threatens demand, while potential strikes and broader economic pressures could further challenge the airline in the months ahead.
Welcome to our coverage
Guten Tag from the DW newsroom here in Bonn.
You join us as Germany’s national air carrier, Lufthansa, celebrates its centenary with official celebrations at the airline’s Frankfurt headquarters.
The company, now broadly seen as a German success story, has faced its share of difficulties in recent years. Staff strikes, the COVID-19 pandemic and rising fuel costs have been among them.
Meanwhile, the Easter tradition of holding peace marches gets underway on Thursday, ahead of more events over the weekend.
For these stories and more of what Germany is talking about, stay with us here.