Lufthansa Must Pay €28k to Malta Agencies After Pilot Strike Strands 31 Flyers

A court has ordered Lufthansa to pay over €28,000 to two travel agencies based in Malta. The ruling follows a flight cancellation that stranded 31 passengers at Hamburg airport in September 2022. The case underscores the financial risks airlines face from industrial action and the strength of EU passenger compensation rules.

Case Details and Financial Loss

The court ordered Deutsche Lufthansa AG to pay €28,454 to Executive Holidays Limited and SMS Mondial Limited. These Malta travel agencies filed the case after a pilot strike caused a flight cancellation from Hamburg to Frankfurt. The strike occurred on September 2, 2022, affecting a group of 42 passengers traveling on package deals.

Out of the total group, Lufthansa only arranged alternative flights for 11 individuals. The remaining 31 stranded passengers Malta were left without immediate rebooking or accommodation. The agencies sought to recoup costs spent on food, lodging, and alternative travel arrangements for their clients. Lufthansa did not file a request to contest the claims when the case was filed in June 2024.

Regulatory Precedent and Airline Liability

This judgment reinforces the principle of airline liability for strikes within the European Union. The outcome is consistent with established case law regarding EC 261/2004 regulation.

• Pilot strike passenger rights are protected under this EU regulation.
• Strikes by an airline's own employees, such as pilots or cabin crew, are generally not considered an “extraordinary circumstance.”
• This means the airline is responsible for providing assistance and compensation for the resulting disruption.

When a flight cancellation due to strike is within the airline's control, they must provide care. This care includes meals, accommodation, and transport for passengers facing significant delays or cancellations. The agencies' claim specifically covered these expenses, which Lufthansa failed to provide for all affected passengers.

Industry Impact and Compliance

The case serves as a clear reminder to all European carriers about their obligations. Airlines must be prepared to handle the financial fallout from internal industrial action.

• The ruling confirms that the financial burden for passenger care during internal strikes can extend beyond direct compensation payments to cover third-party costs.
• Failure to provide mandated care, such as accommodation, leaves the airline open to claims from travel partners.
• The Lufthansa ordered to pay decision highlights the need for robust contingency plans to manage passenger welfare during labor disputes.

This incident involving Lufthansa strike compensation demonstrates the high cost of non-compliance with European air passenger rights legislation. The industry continues to navigate complex labor relations while adhering to strict regulatory frameworks.

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