Summary: A one-day strike by Lufthansa pilots and cabin crew on 12 February 2026 is expected to cause widespread cancellations across Germany, affecting major hubs including Frankfurt and Munich and disrupting passenger and cargo services.

A one-day strike by Lufthansa pilots and cabin crew is scheduled for Thursday, 12 February 2026 and is expected to disrupt flights across Germany. The Lufthansa pilots’ strike has been called at short notice by unions Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) and UFO, and may impact operations at major hubs including Frankfurt and Munich.

Timing and extent of the industrial action

The 24‑hour action will run from 00:00 to 23:59 on 12 February. Lufthansa has warned it expects extensive cancellations throughout its network during the strike and plans to return to a normal schedule on Friday, 13 February. Flights arriving into Germany that depart before the strike begins are not expected to be affected.

Unions cited disputes over working conditions and pensions as the reason for the walkout. The action was announced at short notice after talks with management failed to produce an agreement.

“the management has refused to enter into negotiations with us at all”

Which services and airports are affected

  • Passenger flights operated by Lufthansa departing from Germany are expected to be impacted, including services from Frankfurt and Munich.
  • Lufthansa Cargo operations are also expected to be affected.
  • Flights that originate and depart Germany within the strike window are at risk of cancellation.
  • Services run by subsidiaries Eurowings and Discover Airlines are not included in the strike.

UFO members employed by regional subsidiary Lufthansa CityLine are also expected to be impacted. TravelDailyNews notes that operations and staff there may be relocated to a new subsidiary, a development tied to broader restructuring within the group.

Passenger impact and practical advice

Lufthansa has not published a full list of cancelled flights; however, the carrier and unions warn the action could affect tens of thousands of passengers. Travellers with scheduled flights on 12 February should check the status of their booking directly with the airline or their travel provider before travelling to the airport.

  • Confirm your flight status via Lufthansa’s website or app and monitor email and SMS alerts from your carrier.
  • If your flight is cancelled, contact your travel agent or the airline for rebooking or refund options.
  • Allow extra time at the airport in case of long queues or altered ground handling.
  • Consider travel insurance that covers strike-related cancellations where applicable.
Lufthansa aircraft at Frankfurt airport with terminal and boarding bridges, illustrating potential disruption to flights
Major hubs such as Frankfurt and Munich are expected to see cancellations and delays during the one-day strike

Wider operational implications

Beyond immediate passenger disruption, the strike may complicate network recovery, crew rostering and cargo schedules. Airlines typically prioritise aircraft and crew reallocation in the hours following industrial action, but ripple effects can persist into the next day and affect connecting services.

What this means for travellers and the industry

So what? For travellers, the immediate takeaway is to verify bookings and prepare for possible disruptions if flying with Lufthansa on or around 12 February. For businesses and the wider aviation sector, the strike underscores the operational vulnerability of tightly scheduled networks and the ongoing labour tensions affecting European carriers. Consumers should expect delays in rebooking and potential pressure on alternative carriers and routes as demand shifts.