Pilots at Lufthansa are set to stage a two-day strike beginning on 12 March, a move that is expected to disrupt hundreds of flights across Germany as a dispute over pension benefits intensifies between the airline and its pilots’ union.
The walkout has been called by the pilots’ union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) and will affect both passenger flights and cargo services departing from German airports. The walkout is scheduled to run from 00:01 on 12 March until 23:59 on 13 March.
Union representatives said negotiations with the airline had stalled, prompting the decision to call industrial action. “We would have very much liked to avoid further escalation,” said union president Andreas Pinheiro. “But there is still no offer on the table. It’s no use if the other side only signals a willingness to talk but refuses to discuss substantial improvements to the company pension scheme.”
The union is pressing the airline to improve its company pension scheme for pilots. Talks between the two sides have been ongoing for months without a breakthrough, according to union officials.
The strike could lead to major disruptions to Lufthansa’s flight schedule. The union estimates that about 300 flights per day may be cancelled during the two-day stoppage. Lufthansa said it would try to limit the impact on passengers by implementing a special timetable and contingency plans.
Some routes will remain operational. Flights to several destinations in the Middle East — including Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — will not be affected by the strike because of the current security situation in the region, according to the airline statement.
Lufthansa said it expects to operate more than half of its scheduled flights despite the strike, including around 60% of long-haul services and about 80% of cargo flights.
“For Lufthansa, it is a top priority to get as many passengers as possible to their destinations despite the strike call,” said Francesco Sciortino.
The airline criticised the strike decision, arguing it comes at a time when the aviation industry is facing significant challenges. Lufthansa human resources chief Michael Niggemann described the escalation as “in no way comprehensible,” particularly given current geopolitical tensions affecting global air travel.
The dispute comes as Lufthansa continues a broader restructuring effort aimed at reducing costs and improving efficiency. The airline has previously outlined plans to cut about 4,000 jobs by 2030 as part of its long-term strategy.
Labour walkouts have disrupted Lufthansa operations several times in recent years. Previous strikes by pilots and cabin crew have grounded hundreds of flights and affected thousands of passengers across the airline’s network.
Passengers have been advised to check the status of their flights and follow updates from the airline as Lufthansa prepares an emergency schedule to manage the disruption.
