The two‑day strike announced by the Cockpit Union (VC) began on Thursday morning, affecting flights operated by Lufthansa Cargo and Lufthansa Passage that depart from German airports. Lufthansa Cityline flights were also shut down on that day. Flights to and from the conflict‑affected regions of the Middle East are not impacted.
The union cites failed wage negotiations over compensation for Lufthansa Cityline personnel and disputes over pilots’ company pension plans at Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cargo. Until 2017, pilots received a traditional company pension with guaranteed payouts. The employer replaced this with a capital‑market‑financed model that, according to the union, falls short of the former pension level.
According to the airline, the impact of the strike should be limited by a special flight schedule. More than 50 % of Lufthansa’s overall flight program will still run despite the work stoppage. For long‑haul routes, 60 % of flights are expected to operate. Additionally, many flights to and from Frankfurt and Munich will be taken over by other Lufthansa Group carriers and partner airlines, and larger aircraft will be used on strike‑day operations.
