- Flight Disruptions
- Lufthansa pilots start 48-hour strike affecting German hubs
Lufthansa pilots start 48-hour strike affecting German hubs
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By Josh Arnfield
Last updated on 12 March 2026
What Happened
Lufthansa pilots represented by Vereinigung Cockpit have launched a 48-hour strike from 00:01 on 12 March to 23:59 on 13 March 2026. The action affects departures from German airports across Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cargo and Lufthansa CityLine (CityLine only on 12 March). Frankfurt and Munich are expected to see the greatest impact. Lufthansa plans to operate a significant portion of its schedule via a special timetable and support from group carriers. Under EU261, affected passengers may be entitled to compensation, rebooking, refunds and care.
If your flight was disrupted due to the Lufthansa Pilots' Strike, you may be owed up to €600 compensation. Use our FREE flight checker below to find out.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to £520 under passenger rights regulations.
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Flight Disruption Details
Lufthansa pilots represented by the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) union have begun a 48-hour strike running from 00:01 on 12 March until 23:59 on 13 March 2026. The action impacts departures from German airports across several Lufthansa divisions: the mainline passenger airline, Lufthansa Cargo, and Lufthansa CityLine. CityLine pilots are participating on 12 March only, while the core airline and Cargo division are on strike for the full two days.
Other Lufthansa Group carriers—Austrian Airlines, SWISS, Eurowings, Air Dolomiti, Discover Airlines, Edelweiss, and Lufthansa City Airlines—are not affected and plan to operate normally. The airline has also indicated that flights to certain Middle Eastern destinations are exempt from the strike.
The dispute centers on pension and compensation issues. At Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cargo, pilots are pushing for improved employer pension contributions. Lufthansa CityLine pilots are involved in a separate pay-related dispute and previously rejected an offer they deemed unacceptable.
Lufthansa is implementing measures to limit disruption. The airline expects to operate more than half of scheduled services during the strike period, including around 60% of long-haul flights. Cargo operations are projected to reach over 80% of normal capacity. Efforts include deploying larger aircraft on select routes, using support from other Lufthansa Group and partner airlines, and running a special strike timetable.
Major hubs—particularly Frankfurt and Munich—are anticipated to experience the greatest number of cancellations and delays. Lufthansa urges travelers to confirm their flight status via official digital channels before heading to the airport.
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, strikes by an airline’s own staff are generally not considered extraordinary circumstances. Affected passengers may therefore be entitled to compensation, in addition to re-routing or refunds and required care such as meals and accommodation where applicable.
Key details
- Strike dates: 12–13 March 2026 (CityLine on 12 March only)
- Affected airlines: Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cargo, Lufthansa CityLine
- Airports: Departures from German airports, with Frankfurt and Munich most affected
- Operations: Majority of schedule to run under a special timetable, including about 60% of long-haul; Cargo above 80% capacity
Travelers should monitor updates closely, consider flexible rebooking options, and make use of digital channels for the latest operational information.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Up to €600 compensation
Passengers whose flights were canceled or delayed over 3 hours may be entitled to financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per person. Check your flight.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Airline strike
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Could be eligible for up to £520 compensation
Airlines affected
Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cargo, Lufthansa CityLine
Start date
2026-03-12
End date
2026-03-13
Checked by
Josh Arnfield
Date updated
12 March 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you’re traveling to or from the European Union, here’s what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Collect proof that your flight was cancelled, e.g. boarding pass, vouchers and any other travel documents.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the cancellation and reasons behind it.
Request an alternate flight to your destination - or a refund.
Make a note of the arrival time at your destination.
Ask the airline to pay for your meals and refreshments.
Don't sign anything or accept any offers that may waive your rights.
Get the airline to provide you with a hotel room, if needed.
Keep your receipts if your cancelled flight ends up costing you extra money.
