- Flight Disruptions
- Lufthansa pilots plan 48-hour strike as flights across Germany face disruption
Lufthansa pilots plan 48-hour strike as flights across Germany face disruption
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 15 April 2026
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Affected airports
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Affected airlines
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Affected airports
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Affected airlines
Disruption overview
Passengers flying with Lufthansa in Germany are facing fresh disruption after the Vereinigung Cockpit pilots' union confirmed a 48-hour strike for Thursday and Friday. The walkout is expected to affect Lufthansa, Lufthansa CityLine, Eurowings, and Lufthansa Cargo, with Frankfurt Airport likely to feel the biggest impact after hundreds of flights were already canceled in an earlier strike this week. If your journey is affected, you could face delays, cancellations, and last-minute changes across domestic, European, and long-haul routes. Because this is an airline staff strike, passengers whose flights are canceled at short notice or delayed by more than 3 hours may be entitled to up to £520 compensation under EC 261, depending on the usual conditions.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to £520 under passenger rights regulations.
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Disruption details
Passengers flying with Lufthansa later this week could face fresh disruption after the Vereinigung Cockpit pilots' union confirmed a 48-hour strike for Thursday and Friday. The action is expected to affect flights across Germany, with Frankfurt Airport likely to feel the pressure most.
For passengers, this could mean last-minute cancellations, longer waits, and schedule changes across domestic, European, and long-haul routes. If you're connecting through the Lufthansa network, there's also a strong chance of knock-on disruption beyond your first flight.
The union announced the walkout on 15 April and said cockpit crews are striking again because talks over pay and retirement benefits have stalled. Lufthansa management has resisted the union's demand for better pension arrangements, arguing it needs to keep labor costs under control while managing debt.
The stoppage is set to cover flights operated by:
Lufthansa
Lufthansa CityLine
Eurowings
Lufthansa Cargo
That broad coverage matters. A previous pilots' strike earlier in the same week led to hundreds of flight cancellations, and the union says the next two days could be similarly disruptive or even bigger. Lufthansa hasn't yet published revised timetables, so you may not see the full impact until closer to departure.
Frankfurt Airport is expected to be one of the hardest-hit points in the network. A separate demonstration by cabin-crew union UFO is also planned there on Wednesday during Lufthansa's centenary celebrations, which could add more pressure at a key hub.
Union spokesperson Andreas Pinheiro said there has been no meaningful movement in talks and called for independent mediation to avoid further escalation. Unless a last-minute deal is reached, the strike is considered confirmed.
If you're due to fly, it's worth checking your flight status regularly and looking at alternative travel options where possible. Rebooking could take time if large parts of the schedule are affected.
Because this is an airline staff strike, passengers on affected Lufthansa flights may have rights under EC 261 if their flight is canceled at short notice or arrives more than 3 hours late and the usual conditions are met. Your airline should also help with rerouting or refunds, and provide food, refreshments, and accommodation if your delay becomes long enough. If your journey is affected, you can check whether you're eligible for up to £520 compensation with AirHelp's free flight checker in just 2 minutes.
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 £520 compensation
Passengers whose flights were canceled or delayed over 3 hours may be entitled to financial compensation ranging up to £520 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
Future – confirmed disruption
Compensation
Could be eligible for up to £520 compensation
Airlines affected
Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cityline Gmbh, Eurowings
Airports affected
Frankfurt am Main Airport
Cities affected
Frankfurt
Countries affected
Germany
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
15 April 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
