Lufthansa strike between April 10 and 16, 2026: cancellations and possible right to compensation

Update April 15, 2026: The strikes at Lufthansa have been further expanded following the actions of the cabin crew on April 10. Pilots, represented by Vereinigung Cockpit, stopped all work on April 13 and 14, followed by cabin crew on April 15 and 16. The actions are mainly affecting flights to and from Frankfurt and Munich, with up to approximately 80% of flights disrupted again and tens of thousands of passengers impacted. Because this is a strike by the airline’s own staff, passengers are entitled to compensation of up to €600 per person in the event of cancellations or long delays under EU Regulation 261/2004.

When is the strike and who is striking?

The cabin crew strike originally began shortly after 00:00 on April 10 and was set to last until 22:00 the same day. However, due to additional strike actions, the disruptions have now extended into the period from April 13 through April 16. The action is organized by the trade union Unabhängige Flugbegleiter Organisation (UFO), which represents Lufthansa’s cabin crew.

Flights departing from Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport are particularly affected. According to the union, all flights from these hubs are impacted to some extent.

Hundreds of Lufthansa flights cancelled

The consequences of the strike are significant. According to regional broadcaster BR24, over 720 flights have been cancelled in Munich alone, and another 500 in Frankfurt. Flights operated by subsidiary Lufthansa CityLine are also affected by the strike.

Lufthansa is trying to limit the damage by transferring flights to other airlines within the group, but this has proven insufficient to prevent large-scale disruptions.

Why are the cabin crews striking?

The strike is the result of stalled negotiations over a new collective labor agreement. Cabin crew are demanding better working conditions and higher wages. There is also a specific dispute involving Lufthansa CityLine.

The union is calling for a social plan for the cabin crew of this subsidiary, as Lufthansa intends to phase out CityLine. As a result, an estimated 800 jobs are at risk.

Busy period due to end of Easter holidays

The timing of the strike creates additional problems. As it coincides with the last day of the Easter holidays in Germany, it is traditionally a very busy travel day. This means even more passengers are affected by cancellations and delays.

Previous strikes at Lufthansa

This is not the first time this year Lufthansa has faced strikes. In February 2026, both pilots and cabin crew also stopped work, leading to widespread disruptions and thousands of affected passengers.

The current strike highlights ongoing tensions between Lufthansa and its staff, as negotiations over working conditions and salaries continue to stall.

What can you do as a traveler?

Given the potential impact of the Lufthansa strike on your flight, it is important to take the right steps quickly. Passengers are advised to check their flight status via the official website before heading to the airport. It is also wise to keep contact details in your booking up to date and to document any additional expenses.

To help you further, you can follow the steps below:

1. Always check your flight status
   Check via lufthansa.com whether your flight is operating before you leave. During strikes, flights can change or be cancelled at short notice.
2. Make sure you are reachable
   Ensure your email address and phone number in your booking are correct so you receive timely updates about rebookings or alternative flights.
3. Contact your travel agency (if applicable)
   Did you book through a travel agency? Contact them directly for help with rebooking or requesting a refund.
4. Keep receipts for additional expenses
   Costs for meals, hotel stays, or transport due to delays or cancellations can often be reimbursed. Keep all receipts as proof.
5. Submit a compensation claim
   In case of cancellations or long delays, you may be entitled to compensation under European regulations. You can easily submit a claim via Flight-Delayed.com. They assist you on a no win, no fee basis to obtain the compensation you are entitled to.

By following these steps, you increase your chances of finding a quick solution and successfully recovering any costs or compensation.