A major strike by Lufthansa pilots has begun, triggering widespread disruption across European air travel and affecting tens of thousands of passengers.
The two-day industrial action, which started on Monday, is expected to lead to significant cancellations and delays at Germany’s busiest airports, including Frankfurt and Munich, as well as other key Lufthansa hubs across Europe.
The strike involves pilots from Lufthansa’s main airline operations, as well as subsidiaries, amid a long-running dispute over pensions and retirement conditions. The pilots’ union says negotiations with the airline have failed to produce an acceptable agreement, prompting the escalation.
Airports across Germany and beyond are bracing for operational strain, with hundreds of flights expected to be cancelled or rescheduled. Lufthansa has advised passengers to check flight status before travelling and to expect extended disruption throughout the strike period.
The airline has said it is working to minimise the impact on passengers by deploying alternative aircraft where possible and adjusting schedules. However, it has acknowledged that the scale of the strike will make full recovery difficult in the short term.
Travel analysts say the timing of the industrial action is particularly challenging, coming during a period of strong seasonal demand across Europe. The disruption is also expected to ripple across connecting flights and partner airlines.
Passengers have expressed frustration as travel plans are thrown into uncertainty, with many facing last-minute cancellations and limited rebooking options.
The strike is set to continue for 48 hours, with the potential for further action if talks between the airline and union do not resume or progress.
For now, Lufthansa has urged travellers to remain flexible, while authorities monitor the broader impact on Europe’s aviation network.
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