Berlin, October 13 (IANS): Carsten Spohr, CEO of German airline Lufthansa, has warned of risks to the country’s aviation industry from rising government-imposed costs and new regulations.

They are making it increasingly difficult for airlines to operate, he added.

In a recent interview with German newspaper Bild am Sonntag, Spohr criticized politicians for implementing new rules that strain airlines, saying: “I am very concerned about (Germany’s) connectivity as) economic site”.

“The extreme increase in air transport costs imposed by the government is leading to a further reduction in supply. More and more airlines are avoiding German airports or canceling important routes,” he said.

Several carriers, such as Ryanair and Lufthansa subsidiary Eurowings, have recently announced significant flight reductions, blaming Germany’s high airport and airline security costs, Xinhua news agency reported.

For months, the German aeronautical sector has been reporting its difficulties in the face of rising costs. Ryanair has highlighted the air tax increase introduced in May, arguing it has made low-cost flights unviable.

Spohr also expressed concern about upcoming regulations, such as a blending quota for e-fuels, noting that “these fuels are not yet available in sufficient quantities.”

“As a result, the quality of (Germany’s) connectivity with many important economic regions is declining compared to other countries,” he said.