In 2024, Europe saw quite a few airline strikes, and Lufthansa has had three so far this year. Labour disputes can heavily disrupt flights and, in some cases, make passengers eligible for Lufthansa compensation for cancelled flights.
So in this guide, we’re going to explain the most important facts about Lufthansa strikes and what to do the next time one arises.
Basic Information About Lufthansa Strikes
Before we get into the details about Lufthansa, let’s look at what airline strikes are all about.
Here’s what you need to know about strikes:
- An airline strike happens when employees choose to stop working after labour negotiations fail to produce the workers’ desired outcome, be it improved working conditions, wage, etc..
- Airline strikes can happen with pilots, ground crew, cabin crew, and baggage handlers just to name a few.
- Most strikes are planned and announced ahead of time, but sometimes they can happen suddenly. These are known as wildcat strikes.
- Many times, a threat of a strike will lead to preemptive cancellations even when the actual work stoppage doesn’t happen. Sometimes, negotiations can be nerve wracking for passengers as they can extend up until the very last minute before the strike deadline.
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Past Lufthansa Strikes
If you want to get a better idea of what to expect for upcoming work stoppages with Lufthansa, or how different airlines handle strike compensation, it’s helpful to look at what happened as a result of past events. The following table can give you a good idea of how these strikes play out.
Event | Passengers Affected | Details |
Ground Staff Strike April 2018 | 10,000+ - exact numbers vary | This led to the cancellation of over 800 flights across Lufthansa’s hubs in Germany. Frankfurt, Munich, and Cologne airports were impacted the most. |
Cabin Crew Strike (November 6-7, 2019) | 180,000+ | More than 1,300 flights were cancelled, and mostly European routes were affected. Frankfurt and Munich airports had the most disruptions. according to dw.com |
Ground Staff Strike (July 27, 2022) | 134,000+ | 678 flights were cancelled between Munich and Frankfurt during the high travel season. according to newsroom.lufthansagroup.com |
Ground Staff Strike (February 7-8, 2024) | 100,000+ | Approximately 80-90% of flights from Lufthansa’s key hubs were affected. Roughly 1,000 flights were cancelled. dw.com |
Ground Staff Strike (February 20, 2024) | Unknown | Staff went on strike for 35 hours onemileatatime.com |
Ground Staff Strike (March 7, 2024) | Unknown | This strike lasted 51 hours onemileatatime.com |
Ground Staff Strike (March 10, 2025) | Around 3,400 flights were cancelled affecting as many as 500,000 passengers | This was a 24-hour strike |
What to Know and Do Before and During a Lufthansa Strike
When you think that a strike will upend your travel plans, bear in mind that as a passenger, your rights are protected by Regulation EU261/2004.
Put another way, if your flight is interrupted in any way as a result of the strike, and you end up at your final destination at least 3 hours past your scheduled arrival time, then you could get payment from Lufthansa, similar to strike compensation rules for other EU airlines.
Similarly, you can also get compensation if your flight is cancelled within 14 days of departure because of a Lufthansa employee strike.
As long as the dispute was caused by pilots, ground staff, cabin crew, or other airline employees, you can expect the rules of this regulation to kick in. However, delays and cancellations caused by air traffic control, airport staff, or other 3rd party groups, will not qualify for compensation, but you will still receive refunds and rebookings as well as help at the airport.
Before a Lufthansa Strike
The most important thing to do ahead of an announced strike is to pay close attention to updates from the airline. We highly recommend downloading the Lufthansa app or regularly checking the official website for updates and advice.
You can also sign up for SMS alerts. These will tell you if and when your flight has been delayed or cancelled.
About Cancelled Flights & Refunds
- If you cancel your flight, you will not get a refund unless your ticket is refundable.
- If Lufthansa cancels the flight, they should help you with a rebooking. If they don’t or if it isn’t acceptable, then you will get refunded.
- If you want to cancel your non-refundable ticket, check on Lufthansa’s Current Travel Information page beforehand to see if they are allowing passengers to cancel or change flights without incurring the usual fees. If they are not, you should consider waiting until the airline initiates the cancellation.
At the Airport During a Strike
You might already be on your way and at the airport when a Lufthansa strike occurs. If this happens and you’re temporarily stranded at the airport for 2 hours or more, remember that Article 9, of EU261 regulations, states that Lufthansa must help you by providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodation and transport if you have to wait overnight.
Depending on how many flights are affected, you might have problems getting a hotel. If you have to pay for anything out-of-pocket as a result of the strike disruption, hang on to your receipts so you can include them in a reimbursement claim.
To Sum Up . . .
- Use the Lufthansa app or check the website for travel advisories and alerts.
- Contact Lufthansa customer service if you need more information or help changing your flight.
- Check the refund policies of your ticket. If it is non-refundable, consider waiting until your flight is cancelled, as this will initiate automatic refunds if you don't accept a rebooking.
- Review your passenger rights.
- Pack and prepare for potential delays and other disruptions.
- Check to see if your travel insurance will help cover expenses or flight disruptions.
