Air transport has historically been subject to significant regulation for safety and initially military reasons. As a result of the Second World War, West Germany was subject to two further restrictions: the Allied flight ban until 1955 and the specific regulations governing air transport to West Berlin until 1990. The successful deregulation of civil air transport in the USA from 1978 put Europe under pressure to reform. Beginning in the late 1980s, deregulation began throughout the European Community, resulting in a substantial increase in flight routes to and within Germany. Air travel became more affordable without compromising flight safety. Although Lufthansa ultimately outcompeted the national competitors that emerged, its profitability was severely constrained by intense competition from international low-cost carriers.