Lufthansa Faces Major Disruptions as Pilots’ Union Calls Two-Day Strike
Travelers across Europe are facing significant uncertainty as the German commercial pilots’ union, Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), has called for a two-day strike affecting Lufthansa Group airlines. The industrial action, scheduled for Monday, April 13, and Tuesday, April 14, 2026, comes amid a breakdown in collective bargaining disputes over wages and pensions.
- Dates: The strike runs from 12:01 am on Monday, April 13, to 11:59 pm on Tuesday, April 14.
- Affected Airlines: Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Lufthansa Cargo, Lufthansa CityLine, and Eurowings Germany.
- Primary Cause: Disputes over pensions and a perceived lack of willingness from employers to negotiate.
- Impact: High risk of cancellations at major hubs, specifically Frankfurt and Munich.
Scope of the Strike Action
The strike call is comprehensive, targeting several entities within the Lufthansa Group. According to the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), the walkout applies to members at Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Lufthansa Cargo AG, and Lufthansa CityLine.
The impact on Eurowings is specific: the strike affects flights operated by Eurowings Germany taking off from German airports on April 13. Though, flights operated by the sister company, Eurowings Europe, remain unaffected per official announcements.
Which Airlines are NOT Affected?
To mitigate the chaos, Lufthansa is utilizing other carriers within its group and partner airlines. The following airlines will not be affected by this specific strike action:
- Austrian Airlines (OS)
- Brussels Airlines (SN)
- SWISS (LX)
- Air Dolomiti (EN)
- Discover Airlines (4Y)
- Edelweiss (WK)
- Lufthansa City Airlines (VL)
The Root of the Conflict
The decision to strike follows a period of failed negotiations. VC President Andreas Pinheiro stated that the union deliberately refrained from striking during the Easter holidays, but claimed that no serious offers were forthcoming from the employers during that time. The union asserts that Lufthansa has shown “no discernible willingness to reach a solution” regarding several collective bargaining disputes, specifically citing issues over pensions as reported by Reuters.
This action follows a separate strike by Lufthansa’s cabin crew, organized by the UFO trade union, which took place on Friday and caused thousands of delays nationwide via DW.
Expected Impact on Passengers
The strike is projected to hit Lufthansa’s primary hubs the hardest. Reports indicate that at least 80% of flights from Frankfurt and Munich could be in jeopardy, potentially leaving over 50,000 travelers stranded according to Air Traveler Club via Euronews.
Passenger Rights and Rebooking
Lufthansa has stated that it is working to minimize the impact by replacing scheduled flights with services from partner airlines. For those whose flights are canceled, the company offers:
- One free rebooking.
- The option for a full ticket refund.
Passengers are advised to check their flight status via the official Lufthansa flight status tool before heading to the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly does the strike start and end?
The strike begins at 12:01 am local time on Monday, April 13, and is scheduled to end at 11:59 pm local time on Tuesday, April 14.
Are all Eurowings flights cancelled?
No. Only flights operated by Eurowings Germany taking off from German airports on April 13 are affected. Eurowings Europe flights are not impacted.
How will I know if my flight is cancelled?
Lufthansa will inform affected travelers via the contact details stored in their booking. Cancellations were scheduled to be loaded into booking systems by the morning of Sunday, April 12.