Lufthansa is facing an expanded wave of strikes as pilots walk out across multiple airlines in the group, including Lufthansa, Lufthansa CityLine, Lufthansa Cargo and Eurowings.
The pilots’ union Vereinigung Cockpit has announced further strike action affecting flights departing from German airports on Thursday and Friday, with Eurowings flights impacted on Thursday only and services to the Middle East largely exempt. The industrial action follows earlier strikes this week that led to widespread flight cancellations across the network.
The renewed strike comes amid an ongoing labour dispute over pay and pensions, with the union also proposing a conciliation process to avoid further escalation. The disruption coincides with Lufthansa CityLine’s suspension of operations from Thursday, following a separate decision linked to rising fuel costs and ongoing labour tensions. Lufthansa has indicated it is open to mediation, while operations continue to face disruption after hundreds of flights were cancelled earlier in the week.
Strike action spreads across Lufthansa Group airlines
The latest walkouts mark a significant escalation, extending beyond the core Lufthansa airline to include its regional, cargo and leisure units. Lufthansa CityLine, which operates feeder services within Germany and Europe, and Eurowings, the group’s low-cost carrier, are both affected alongside Lufthansa Cargo.
Flights departing from German airports are expected to see the greatest impact, with services reduced or cancelled across major hubs including Frankfurt and Munich. Earlier in the week, more than 900 takeoffs and landings were cancelled at these airports in a single day as strike action intensified.
Union demands and mediation proposal
The pilots’ union Vereinigung Cockpit said it is seeking progress on wage agreements and company pension schemes across the group. It also proposed a conciliation procedure, describing it as offering “the chance to resolve the wage disputes through an independent third party and to avoid further escalation.”
VC President Andreas Pinheiro criticised the response from management, stating: “The situation remains unchanged – there is absolutely no movement on the part of the employers. Neither Lufthansa nor Lufthansa Cargo has made an offer regarding company pension schemes, nor has Lufthansa CityLine made a viable offer for a new collective bargaining agreement on remuneration, nor has Eurowings made a viable offer regarding company pension schemes.”
Lufthansa signalled willingness to engage in talks. A company spokesperson said: “Mediation can be a good way out of this conflict if it comprehensively addresses all collective bargaining issues in order to achieve a lasting settlement. We are open to this.”
The strike action coincides with a symbolic moment for the airline, as Lufthansa marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of its predecessor. While executives and political leaders are expected to attend events in Frankfurt, unions are planning demonstrations near the company’s headquarters.
Separate industrial action by cabin crew, organised by the UFO union, is also contributing to disruption. The union is pushing for improved working conditions and a social plan for Lufthansa CityLine employees, adding further pressure on the group’s operations.
