Lufthansa strike grounds hundreds of flights over cost-cutting dispute

A one-day strike by Lufthansa pilots and flight attendants disrupted operations, grounding hundreds of flights and affecting nearly 100,000 passengers due to disputes over cost-cutting measures and retirement benefits.

By Claire Donnelly1 min read

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Lufthansa staff conducted a one-day strike on 12 February 2026, resulting in the cancellation of almost 800 flights. The industrial action involved pilots from Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cargo, as well as flight attendants from CityLine.

Pilots sought higher contributions to retirement benefits, with a majority of the German pilots' union VC supporting strike action. The UFO union called for a strike without a prior vote, citing the planned shutdown of CityLine and lack of negotiation on a social plan.

Lufthansa stated it had no financial leeway to meet union demands, calling the escalation unnecessary. The airline offered rebooking on group airlines, partner carriers, or train tickets via Deutsche Bahn at no extra cost.