Lufthansa Disrupts Travel Across Europe as 800 Flights Are Canceled in Major Strike Affecting Thousands of Passengers and Key Airports in Germany

Published on February 13, 2026

Lufthansa has caused widespread disruption to travel across Europe after canceling 800 flights due to a major strike by pilots and cabin crew in Germany. The industrial action, driven by unresolved disputes over pay and pensions, severely impacted thousands of passengers, particularly at key hubs such as Frankfurt and Munich. The strike, organized by the Vereinigung Cockpit and UFO unions, led to significant cancellations at major airports, with many travelers left stranded or rebooked onto alternative flights, causing chaos in Lufthansa’s network and beyond.

Lufthansa Faces Chaos Amidst Industrial Strike in Germany as 800 Flights Are Cancelled Impacting 100,000 Passengers

Lufthansa’s operations in Germany faced major disruptions on Thursday, February 9, 2026, when the airline was forced to cancel around 800 flights due to a 24-hour industrial strike initiated by pilots and cabin crew. The strike, which began at 12:01 AM and ended at 11:59 PM, was the result of ongoing disputes over pay and pensions between the airline and its staff. As a consequence, approximately 100,000 passengers were left stranded, with travel plans severely affected.

The strike, organized by two of the major German unions—Vereinigung Cockpit and UFO—has caused widespread disruption throughout the airline’s network, particularly at its main hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. The unions’ demands primarily centered around pension reforms for pilots at Lufthansa and its subsidiary, Lufthansa Cargo, as well as further negotiation over working conditions for cabin crew.

Key Impacted Locations:

• Germany: Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport
• UK: London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle
• Europe: Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines (Lufthansa group)
• Italy: Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Rome Fiumicino, Venice Marco Polo, Naples International (February 16 strike)

The strike affected not only Lufthansa’s direct operations but also had a ripple effect on its partner airlines and subsidiaries, such as Swiss and Austrian Airlines, which attempted to accommodate stranded passengers. However, despite these efforts, the scale of cancellations remained overwhelming, with the departures board at Frankfurt Airport reflecting a bleak picture, as nearly all Lufthansa flights scheduled for Thursday morning were canceled.

Frankfurt Airport, usually bustling with travelers, remained unusually calm on Thursday morning, with many passengers opting not to show up after receiving notifications of the flight cancellations. Lufthansa’s attempt to rebook passengers on alternative flights, particularly with partner airlines like Swiss, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines, was only partially successful. Despite these efforts, many travelers were left without a clear path forward, exacerbating the chaos.

Labour Disputes Fueling Disruptions:

The strike was called after months of negotiations between the airline and its pilots’ union, Vereinigung Cockpit, failed to reach a resolution over the pension system. The union has demanded significant changes to the current pension arrangements for pilots, especially for those working within Lufthansa Cargo. The union also made it clear that any future wage agreements would need to reflect the high demands and responsibilities placed on pilots.

Meanwhile, the UFO union, representing the cabin crew, was involved in a separate dispute concerning negotiations on various other issues, including working conditions, compensation, and job security. UFO’s strike specifically affected Lufthansa Cityline flights departing from Munich and Frankfurt, amplifying the scope of the disruptions.

While the immediate effects of the strike have been largely felt on Thursday, travelers can expect more challenges in the coming weeks. On February 16, 2026, Italy will face a nationwide strike that is expected to disrupt flights operated by ITA Airways and Vueling. Airports like Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino, and Venice Marco Polo are likely to experience cancellations and delays due to this 24-hour industrial action over stalled contract negotiations.

Know Your Rights:

For those affected by Lufthansa’s strikes or the upcoming disruptions in Italy, it’s essential for travelers to understand their rights. European Union regulations, which also cover UK travelers, grant certain protections for passengers in these situations. If flights are canceled or delayed for several hours, affected passengers are entitled to compensation, ranging from £210 to £520, depending on the length of the delay or the flight’s distance.

Moreover, Lufthansa passengers who are impacted by the strike will automatically be rebooked on alternative flights, if available, with details sent to them via email. However, it’s important to note that passengers should always check their emails and the airline’s website for real-time updates, as further delays or disruptions are possible. Airlines are required to offer compensation under EU law, as strikes, like the one undertaken by Lufthansa employees, are not classified as “extraordinary circumstances.”

Lufthansa’s 800 flight cancellations due to a major strike have disrupted travel across Europe, particularly at key airports in Germany. The strike, caused by ongoing pay and pension disputes, left thousands of passengers stranded or rebooked onto alternative flights.

The 24-hour strike by Lufthansa pilots and cabin crew has left a significant dent in the airline’s operations, canceling 800 flights and causing disruptions to around 100,000 passengers. While the immediate effects of the strike are being felt across Germany, Italy is also poised for similar challenges next week. As Lufthansa and unions continue to negotiate, travelers are urged to stay informed about the evolving situation, monitor rebooking options, and understand their rights to compensation.

This strike serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between airline management, labor relations, and passenger expectations. With more industrial action on the horizon, it is clear that the coming months will be challenging for travelers flying through Lufthansa’s major hubs in Germany, as well as other airports across Europe.