Massive Lufthansa cabin crew strike cancels over 520 flights, stranding thousands across Germany.
April 12, 2026: Air travel across Germany has been severely disrupted as a large-scale strike by Lufthansa cabin crew forced the cancellation of more than 520 flights, affecting around 90,000 passengers. The 24-hour walkout, organised by the UFO labour union, coincided with the busy post-Easter travel period, amplifying the impact across major airports.
Union leader Joachim Vazquez Burger blamed airline management for failing to offer a fair deal after months of stalled negotiations, while acknowledging the inconvenience caused to passengers. On the other hand, Lufthansa executive Michael Niggemann termed the strike “irresponsible,” citing ongoing geopolitical challenges and volatile fuel prices.
Despite efforts to operate some flights using partner carriers like Austrian Airlines, the disruption remains widespread. The standoff highlights deepening tensions between Lufthansa and its workforce, posing a major challenge for the airline as it struggles with recurring labour disputes and financial pressures.