Lufthansa Faces Major Flight Disruptions as Pilots and Cabin Crew Strike

The Lufthansa Group is preparing for a day of major travel chaos. Two powerful unions have called for a 24-hour strike. The walkouts will take place on Thursday, February 12, 2026. This action affects both passenger flights and cargo operations across Germany.

Impact on Operations

The strike will begin at 12:01 a.m. and end at 11:59 p.m. local time. It targets the main Lufthansa airline and its freight division, Lufthansa Cargo. The pilots' union, Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), is leading this walkout.

At the same time, the UFO cabin crew union has called for a strike at Lufthansa CityLine. This regional subsidiary handles many short-haul flights. Industry experts expect hundreds of cancellations at major hubs like Frankfurt and Munich. According to reports, all departures from German airports will face disruptions.

Union Demands and Disputes

The disputes center on two main issues: pensions and job security. VC pilots are demanding higher contributions to their occupational pension plans. The union claims current retirement benefits have fallen behind previous levels. They are seeking a significant monthly increase to ensure long-term financial security for pilots.

Meanwhile, UFO is focused on a "collective social plan" for CityLine staff. Lufthansa plans to close CityLine operations and move staff to a new unit called City Airlines. UFO argues that management is refusing to negotiate fair severance pay or job protections. A recent ballot showed that 98% of UFO members support the strike action.

Strategic Challenges for Lufthansa

These strikes come as Lufthansa tries to cut costs. The airline group aims to save €1.5 billion by 2026 to boost profitability. Management has called the union demands "disproportionate" given the high costs involved.

However, labor tensions remain high across the European aviation sector. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) notes that labor disputes can significantly impact airline recovery and reliability. Lufthansa has already faced several strikes in recent years, leading to millions in financial losses.

Information for Passengers

Travelers should check their flight status before heading to the airport. Lufthansa usually offers free rebooking or rail vouchers for domestic trips. The airline recommends using its mobile app for the latest updates. Passengers on long-haul flights may see some priority, but many European routes will likely be grounded. Stay in touch with your travel provider for the most current information.

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