Lufthansa Keeps Majority of Flights During Pilot Strike

Lufthansa has confirmed that more than half of its scheduled flights will operate during a two-day pilot strike on 12 and 13 March 2026. The airline introduced a special timetable after the Vereinigung Cockpit union called for full-day strike action. According to the airline, over 50 per cent of the planned programme will still run, including about 60 per cent of long-haul services.

The airline said many flights will be supported by other carriers within the Lufthansa Group and by partner airlines. In addition, larger aircraft will be used on some routes to carry more passengers on each flight. Lufthansa stated that its main aim during the strike period is to move as many passengers as possible to their destinations despite the disruption.

Key measures during the strike period

• More than 50% of the planned schedule will operate
• Around 60% of long-haul flights will run
• Some services covered by Lufthansa Group and partner airlines
• Larger aircraft used on selected routes
• Lufthansa Cargo operating more than 80% of flights

Cargo operations are expected to continue with limited disruption. Lufthansa Cargo plans to operate over 80 per cent of its scheduled freight flights on the affected days. At the same time, flights between Frankfurt and Munich may be adjusted as aircraft and crews are redistributed. Lufthansa City Airlines will maintain its full programme, while Lufthansa CityLine expects to return to almost normal operations on Friday.

Despite the disruption, many international routes will still remain available. Long-haul services will continue connecting Europe with destinations across North America, Asia and other regions. The Vereinigung Cockpit union has also decided that flights to the Middle East will not be part of the strike. As a result, services such as the Frankfurt–Riyadh flight scheduled for Thursday are expected to operate normally.

The temporary schedule shows how airlines try to limit the impact of labour disputes on passengers. By combining support from partner airlines, adjusting aircraft size and keeping long-haul routes running, Lufthansa is attempting to maintain essential connections. The strike will still cause delays and cancellations, but a large part of the network is expected to stay in operation during the two days.