15.04.2026 04:44
The wave of strikes initiated by Lufthansa employees in Germany has led to a major crisis in air transportation. Due to consecutive work stoppage decisions by pilots and cabin crew, hundreds of flights were canceled, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded. The strikes, coinciding with the company's 100th-anniversary celebrations, also revealed how deeply the disagreement between management and unions has escalated.
The consecutive strike decisions taken by pilot and cabin crew unions at the German airline Lufthansa have caused serious disruptions in air transportation. The work stoppages, coinciding with the company's 100th founding anniversary, stand out as one of the longest-lasting labor disputes in recent years.
STRIKE WAVE EXPANDS
While the strike initiated by the pilot union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) continues, the UFO union representing cabin crew has also decided on a new 48-hour work stoppage on April 15-16. The cabin strike starting at 01:00 Turkish Time on Wednesday is expected to particularly affect flights departing from Frankfurt and Munich.
SHADOW CAST OVER 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
It was noted that the strikes coincide with Lufthansa's 100th anniversary celebrations. The UFO union announced it will hold a major protest in front of the headquarters in Frankfurt during the ceremony, which German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also expected to attend. The VC union also called on its members to support this action.
DEMANDS NOT MET
The unions state that no progress has been made in negotiations lasting about two years regarding working conditions, salary increases, and retirement rights. VC, representing approximately 5,000 pilots, demands an increase in employer contributions; while UFO, representing about 19,000 cabin crew, seeks salary increases, a more predictable shift schedule, and improvements in compensation rights.
FLIGHT TRAFFIC AT A STANDSTILL
Due to the impact of the strikes, flights at Germany's busiest airports have been severely disrupted. At Frankfurt Airport, over 570 takeoffs and landings were canceled, affecting more than 50,000 passengers. At Munich Airport, approximately 720 flights, mostly belonging to Lufthansa, were canceled.
WARNING TO PASSENGERS
Frankfurt Airport operator Fraport warned that delays and cancellations could continue throughout the day. Lufthansa management argued that union demands would weaken the company's competitiveness, while it was stated that negotiations between the parties have not yet reached an agreement.