Workers at Lufthansa Group’s core airline and cargo division are planning a 24-hour strike on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, that is expected to disrupt flights across Germany and affect travellers at major hubs including Frankfurt and Munich. The walkout involves pilots and cabin crew as ongoing labour disputes with the airline remain unresolved.
Why the Strike is Happening
Pilots represented by the union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) say the action is necessary after months of stalled negotiations over pension benefits. The union argues that changes made in recent years to Lufthansa’s company pension scheme have weakened retirement security by shifting from a guaranteed pension structure to one tied to financial markets. Pilots are demanding higher employer contributions and stronger safeguards to restore more predictable and secure benefits.
VC held a ballot in late 2025 in which a large majority of members authorised the use of strike action if talks did not produce satisfactory progress, and despite intermittent negotiations this week, no breakthrough has been reached. The union also represents pilots at Lufthansa Cargo, meaning both passenger and cargo flights are affected.
In a separate dispute, the UFO cabin crew union has called on flight attendants at Lufthansa’s short-haul unit, CityLine, to walk out. UFO says the airline has refused to negotiate a collective social plan following plans to shut down operations at the subsidiary, and it is using the strike to press for broader talks on working conditions.
What Travellers Should Expect
The 24-hour strike runs from 00:01 to 23:59 local time Thursday and is likely to ground hundreds of flights departing German airports. Passengers are advised to check airline apps or contact Lufthansa directly for the latest flight status and possible rebooking options. Because Germany’s hubs are tightly integrated with long-haul and cargo schedules, disruption could have ripple effects across Europe and beyond.
Has your flight ever been affected by strike action? Let us know in the comments.
