Lufthansa is pulling out all the stops to commemorate its centennial anniversary in the most genuine manner, which includes a significant amount of industrial action. Recently, Lufthansa pilots participated in a two-day strike, and now the airline’s flight attendants are organizing a one-day strike.
Details regarding the Lufthansa flight attendant strike
The Independent Flight Attendants Organization (UFO), the union representing Lufthansa flight attendants, has urged its members to partake in a strike. This action is anticipated to result in the cancellation of nearly all flights departing from Germany on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 12:01 AM to 10 PM. This will significantly affect travelers, especially since it coincides with the peak of the Easter holiday, a busy travel period.
This strike affects both Lufthansa and Lufthansa CityLine, but does not extend to other airlines in the Lufthansa Group, such as Austrian or SWISS. It is anticipated that approximately 100,000 passengers will be affected by the strike. Lufthansa is attempting to mitigate the effects of the strike by arranging for certain flights to be operated by other airlines within the Lufthansa Group.
In a statement, Lufthansa criticized the union, asserting that “viable solutions can only be achieved through dialogue,” that “strikes must always be the last resort,” and that “we remain open to discussions and therefore call on the union to resume dialogue with us.”
The reasons behind the Lufthansa flight attendants’ strike
Why are Lufthansa flight attendants initiating a strike? The dispute arises from the two parties being unable to reach an agreement on a new collective bargaining contract, with reports indicating that no progress has been made over the last five months. Recently, flight attendants were able to vote on whether to seek industrial action, with 94% supporting the initiative.
The union is openly accusing Lufthansa of not presenting an offer, asserting that the airline hasn’t budged “one millimeter.” Instead, Lufthansa is proposing reductions to existing benefits and protections, which the union is not willing to entertain.
This strike involves not only Lufthansa but also Lufthansa CityLine, which is undergoing dissolution and transitioning into Lufthansa City Airlines, as part of a strategy to cut labor costs. After all, discovering new labor arbitrage opportunities is a specialty of the Lufthansa Group.
According to the union, the strike at Lufthansa CityLine is a result of the “continued unwillingness of the employer to engage in negotiations over a collectively agreed social plan, to address our demands, or at least to present a negotiable offer, despite the planned ceasing of flight operations and the consequential impact on approximately 800 cabin crew members.”
Bottom line
Lufthansa flight attendants will strike on Friday, April 10, 2026, with a large number of flights expected to be canceled. This follows last month’s strike by pilots, and neither group seems to be any nearer to securing a new contract. It is hoped that both pilots and flight attendants can finalize a new contract soon, as the prospect of strikes looming at any time is concerning.
What are your thoughts on this Lufthansa flight attendant strike?