# Aviation fuel jettisoning incidents in Germany

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/aviation-fuel-jettisoning-incidents-in-germany
> Updated: 2026-08-18T10:10:00.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Following an emergency in Munich involving a Boeing aircraft that required the jettisoning of approximately 60 tons of kerosene, data from the Luftfahrtbundesamt has highlighted the frequency of this safety procedure. In the first half of 2026, 15 fuel jettisoning incidents were recorded in German airspace, with six occurring partially over Bavaria.

Since early 2018, the authority has documented 203 such incidents. The practice is used to reduce an aircraft's weight to ensure a safe landing when it must land at a weight lower than its takeoff weight. The amount of fuel released can range from a few hundred kilograms to as much as 100 tons.

The decision to jettison fuel is made by the flight crew, with air traffic controllers assisting by identifying low-traffic airspace away from major cities. Regulations require fuel to be released at a minimum altitude of 1,800 meters, and the airspace must remain clear for 15 minutes following the release. The Umweltbundesamt stated that, based on current knowledge, these events do not have “critical impacts on humans or the environment,” though they recommend varying release areas when possible.

## Claims

- 15 fuel jettison incidents were recorded in German airspace in the first half of 2026. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Six of the 2026 fuel jettison incidents partially affected Bavaria. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- A list from the Luftfahrtbundesamt includes 203 incidents dating back to early 2018. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The Umweltbundesamt states that fuel jettisoning has no critical impact on humans or the environment based on current knowledge. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The decision to jettison fuel is made solely by the aircraft crew. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Fuel must be jettisoned at a minimum height of 1,800 meters (6,000 feet). (corroborated by 6 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Aviation fuel jettisoning incidents recorded in Germany

Data from the Luftfahrtbundesamt shows 15 fuel jettisoning incidents in German airspace during the first half of 2026. The practice is a safety measure used to reduce aircraft weight for safe landings.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aviation-fuel-jettisoning-incidents-recorded-in-germany

### 2026-08-16: Aviation safety: Why aircraft must jettison fuel for emergency landings

Aircraft must jettison fuel during emergencies to reduce weight from Maximum Takeoff Weight to Maximum Landing Weight, preventing landing gear failure and runway accidents.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aviation-safety-why-aircraft-must-jettison-fuel-for-emergency-landings

---
Cite as: Aviation fuel jettisoning incidents in Germany. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/aviation-fuel-jettisoning-incidents-in-germany