Deutsche Bahn launches free ticket cancellations amid heatwave and unveils new strategic plan

Germany recorded a new temperature record of 41.3 °C on 26 June 2026, prompting the Deutsche Bahn to advise passengers to avoid travel and to introduce an unprecedented heat‑special concession. Customers who purchased tickets for journeys between 25 June and 30 June before 23 June can cancel free of charge, regardless of fare class, with refunds processed via a special form. The measure excludes regional services but includes provision of large quantities of drinking water and additional station staff to aid travellers.

At the same time, DB chief executive Evelyn Palla presented a revised corporate strategy that drops earlier growth promises in favour of reliability, quality and financial sustainability. The plan calls for a significant reduction of management positions, greater responsibility for regional managers, a target of 80 % long‑distance punctuality by the 2030s and an aim to achieve a positive post‑tax result by 2030. The restructuring is slated for three phases, with major network renewal planned for 2027‑2030 and a full service improvement expected by 2035.