Frankfurt am Main – Travel plans across Germany are facing major disruption today as strikes by pilots and flight attendants at Lufthansa began overnight, confirmed a spokesperson for the UFO union. The consequences are significant: hundreds of Lufthansa aircraft are grounded for the entire day. While the airline has not specified the exact number of cancellations, the ADV airport association estimates more than 460 flights, impacting around 69,000 passengers, will be affected.
Pilots and Flight Attendants Grab Action
Approximately 4,800 Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cargo pilots are striking for increased employer contributions to their company and transition pensions. Simultaneously, the cabin crew union UFO is pursuing new collective bargaining agreements – at both Lufthansa and its regional subsidiary Cityline – through a warning strike. Around 800 jobs are reportedly threatened at Cityline due to company strategy, and UFO is demanding a collective bargaining agreement to address this.
According to reports from Munich Airport, 275 departures and arrivals have been canceled as of this morning, representing more than a quarter of the 920 flights scheduled for Thursday.
Which Flights Are Still Operating?
Airlines not belonging to the Lufthansa Group, such as Ryanair, Easyjet, and Condor, are continuing to operate. Within the Lufthansa Group, Eurowings and Discover are not affected by the strike call. Flights operated by Swiss, Austrian, Ita, and Brussels Airlines are also continuing as scheduled.
Lufthansa is advising passengers to seek information digitally and avoid traveling to airports unless absolutely necessary. The airline promises generous rebooking options and expects a return to normal operations on Friday.
Company Response
Lufthansa management has sharply criticized the strikes, calling them a “completely unnecessary escalation.” According to Personnel Board Member and Labor Director Michael Niggemann, the unions’ demands would lead to further substantial cost increases, for which there is “no room for maneuver.”
The airline experienced losses in 2024 and is currently implementing a turnaround program to restore profitability. New financial figures are scheduled to be released on March 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cause of the pilot’s strike?
Around 4800 pilots from Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cargo are striking for higher employer contributions to their company and transition pensions.
What is UFO demanding in its strike action?
UFO is seeking new collective bargaining agreements at Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cityline, and a collective bargaining agreement to address the threat of around 800 job losses at Cityline.
What should passengers do if their flight is canceled?
Passengers are advised to check for updates digitally and to avoid traveling to the airport. Lufthansa is offering rebooking options and suggests that passengers traveling domestically consider using the Deutsche Bahn.
As Lufthansa navigates these labor disputes, how might these disruptions impact the broader travel landscape for passengers in the coming days?
