Lufthansa pilots and cabin crew to strike on 12 February, disrupting flights in Germany
By Matteo Floris
Last updated on February 11, 2026
Lufthansa pilots and cabin crew will stage a coordinated 24-hour strike on 12 February 2026 (00:01–23:59 local time), disrupting departures across German airports, including major hubs such as Frankfurt and Munich. The action is expected to ground hundreds of flights and affect Lufthansa’s passenger and cargo operations, with all CityLine departures from Hamburg, Bremen, and Stuttgart also impacted. The pilots’ action concerns pension contributions, while cabin crew are protesting plans to close Lufthansa CityLine. Passengers are advised to check their flight status and consider rebooking.
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Lufthansa faces a coordinated 24-hour strike by pilots and cabin crew on 12 February 2026, running from 00:01 to 23:59 local time. The walkout is set to disrupt departures at German airports, with significant impact anticipated at Frankfurt and Munich. All Lufthansa CityLine departures from Hamburg, Bremen, and Stuttgart will also be affected.
The pilots’ union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), representing about 4,800 pilots, is striking over retirement benefits after seven rounds of negotiations stalled. VC seeks a monthly employer pension contribution increase of €2,400 per pilot (based on a €10,000 salary plus €3,000 in allowances), a change it says would lift annual pension costs to €228 million. Lufthansa has rejected the proposal, citing high costs and a need to improve profitability after the pandemic.
At the same time, the cabin crew union Unabhängige Flugbegleiter Organisation (UFO) is taking action against the planned shutdown of Lufthansa CityLine, which affects around 800 jobs. According to UFO, staff would be moved to the newly formed Lufthansa City Airlines under inferior wage agreements and non-unionized conditions. UFO says management has declined to negotiate a collective social plan, including severance pay, pointing to the absence of a formal closure resolution. In a ballot, 98% of UFO members backed industrial action, which the union describes as a warning intended to secure job protections and formal collective agreements.
The combined strike is expected to paralyze Lufthansa’s main passenger airline and its cargo division, grounding hundreds of flights and disrupting freight operations. The disruption could leave tens of thousands of passengers unable to travel. Passengers are advised to monitor their flight status through Lufthansa’s app or website and consider rebooking options.
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers whose flights are canceled may be entitled to compensation, refunds, meals, and accommodation, if the cancellations are deemed controllable by the airline.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights:
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Up to €600 compensation
Passengers whose flights were canceled or delayed over 3 hours may be entitled to financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per person. Check your flight.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Disruption:
Cancellation
Cause:
Airline strike
Compensation:
Could be eligible for €250 - €600 compensation
Status:
Future – confirmed disruption
Start date:
2026-02-12
End date:
2026-02-12
Airlines affected:
Lufthansa, Lufthansa CityLine
Checked by:
Matteo Floris
Date updated:
February 11, 2026
