Lufthansa Strike on 12 February 2026 – Passengers Are Entitled to Compensation

The Lufthansa strike on 12 February 2026 is causing widespread cancellations and delays, and affected passengers are legally entitled to EU261 compensation of up to €600 per person.

When is the strike and who is striking?

On Thursday, 12 February 2026, both Lufthansa pilots (Vereinigung Cockpit) and cabin crew (UFO union) are participating in a 24-hour strike from 00:01 to 23:59 local time.

The strike affects Lufthansa mainline operations, Lufthansa Cargo and Lufthansa CityLine, with major disruption expected at Frankfurt and Munich airports.

Why is the Lufthansa strike happening?

The strike follows failed negotiations regarding pensions, employer contributions and social agreements within the Lufthansa Group.

Because this is a strike by the airline’s own staff, it is not classified as an extraordinary circumstance under European law.

What should passengers expect?

Passengers should expect significant flight cancellations and delays, particularly at major German hubs.

Disruptions may spread across Europe due to missed connections and aircraft rotation issues.

EU261 compensation applies

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are entitled to compensation when:

• A flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure
• Arrival delay exceeds 3 hours
• Boarding is denied

Compensation amounts are:

• €250 for flights up to 1,500 km
• €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
• €600 for flights over 3,500 km

Internal airline staff strikes are not extraordinary circumstances under established EU case law. Lufthansa is therefore required to pay compensation.

Passengers are also entitled to meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation if necessary, and re-routing or a refund.

Submit your claim via Flight-Delayed.com and recover the compensation you are legally owed.

FAQ – Lufthansa Strike Compensation

Are passengers entitled to compensation?

Yes. Internal staff strikes do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances under EU law.

How much compensation is paid?

Between €250 and €600 per passenger, depending on flight distance.

Does EU261 apply to long-haul flights?

Yes. EU261 applies to flights departing from the EU and flights to the EU operated by an EU airline such as Lufthansa.

Do passengers also have a right to care?

Yes. Airlines must provide meals, accommodation if needed, and re-routing or refunds.