US authorities have hit Lufthansa with a record $4 million (Ksh.516,840,000) penalty after finding the airline discriminated against over 100 Jewish travelers by blocking them from boarding a flight in 2022, officials said Tuesday.

The 128 passengers were denied boarding to a connecting flight after a few did not follow instructions, including anti-Covid mask requirements, on a flight from the United States to Germany, US transport authorities said.

The airline did not immediately reply to an AFP request for comment.


The travelers -- who wore distinctive garments like black hats and jackets -- told investigators they were treated as if they were one group even though many weren't flying together and didn't know each other.

Lufthansa denied boarding "to everyone for the apparent misbehavior of a few, because they were openly and visibly Jewish," DOT authorities said in a filing.