Lufthansa pilots announce 12 February strike; departures from Germany to face cancellations and delays

Lufthansa pilots represented by Vereinigung Cockpit will stage a 24-hour strike on 12 February 2026 (00:01–23:59). Mainline Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cargo departures from Germany are affected; subsidiaries Eurowings and Discover Airlines are excluded. Disruptions are expected across German airports, especially in Frankfurt and Munich. Inbound flights arriving before the strike starts are expected to operate. Passengers may be entitled to EC 261 compensation for cancellations or delays over three hours. Monitor your flight status, consider rebooking options, and keep travel documentation.

Lufthansa pilots, represented by Vereinigung Cockpit, will hold a 24-hour strike on 12 February 2026, running from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. The action is tied to a dispute over the airline’s pension arrangements. The disruption will impact mainline Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cargo flights that depart from Germany. Subsidiary carriers, including Eurowings and Discover Airlines, are not part of this action and are therefore excluded.

Significant operational impact is expected across German airports, with particular pressure anticipated at Lufthansa’s hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. While departures on the affected carriers are the focus, inbound flights scheduled to arrive before the strike begins are expected to operate normally. The article indicates that tens of thousands of travelers could face cancellations, delays, or rerouting during the strike period.

Passengers booked to depart Germany on affected Lufthansa or Lufthansa Cargo services on 12 February should closely monitor their flight status via official airline channels. Proactive steps such as exploring rebooking options or considering rail alternatives within Europe may help minimize disruption. Keeping records—booking confirmations, airline notifications, and receipts—will be useful if claims or reimbursements are pursued.

Under EU passenger protection rules referenced in the source, travelers experiencing cancellations or delays exceeding three hours may be eligible for compensation, as this strike action involves airline staff. Airlines must also provide care when necessary, such as meals, accommodation if an overnight stay is required, and transportation to lodging.

This walkout follows previous industrial actions mentioned in the source and renews pressure on the airline to resolve the pension dispute. For travelers, the immediate priority is to verify flight status on 12 February, follow airline instructions, and retain all travel documents in case rerouting, refunds, or compensation become applicable.