Passengers of Lufthansa are facing widespread flight cancellations and changes today in Hamburg, and Hannover. Approximately 4,800 pilots and around 20,000 cabin crew members have been called to strike, leading Lufthansa to announce extensive flight cancellations.
Impact on Hamburg and Hannover
According to the Hamburg Airport, 20 flights to Munich and Frankfurt have been cancelled so far. Only one Lufthansa flight to each of those cities is currently scheduled to operate as planned. Flights operated by Lufthansa’s subsidiaries, Eurowings and Discover, are not affected. Passengers are advised to contact Lufthansa directly for updates.
In Hannover, the strike impacts Hannover-Langenhagen Airport, with cancellations including four flights to Frankfurt and two to Munich. However, two flights to Munich and one to Frankfurt are still expected to proceed as scheduled.
Reasons for the Strike
The strike action has been called by the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) union for pilots, who are seeking higher transitional and company pensions. The Unabhängige Flugbegleiter Organisation (UFO), representing cabin crew, aims to force negotiations on various collective agreements, including a social plan that management has currently refused to negotiate.
Lufthansa’s Response
Lufthansa has strongly criticized the strike call from both unions, with Personnel Board Member Michael Niggemann calling it a “completely unnecessary escalation.” Lufthansa maintains that a solution can only be found at the negotiating table and considers the financial demands to be excessive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities are most affected by the Lufthansa strike?
Hamburg and Hannover are experiencing significant disruptions, with numerous flight cancellations, particularly to and from Frankfurt and Munich.
Are all Lufthansa flights cancelled?
No, flights operated by Lufthansa’s subsidiaries, Eurowings and Discover, are not affected by the strike.
What options do passengers have if their flight is cancelled?
Lufthansa is offering to rebook passengers and is allowing inner-German tickets to be exchanged for train tickets.
As the strike unfolds, will Lufthansa and the unions be able to reach an agreement to minimize further disruption to travelers?
