Airline forced to cancel 1,000 flights across Europe as cabin crew plan walkouts

11 March 2024 , 14:34

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Lufthansa has cancelled flights over the two strike days (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Lufthansa has announced a series of flight cancellations and delays after members of its cabin crew have called for strike action this week, with around 1,000 flights expected to be impacted.

Lufthansa cabin crew members who are part of the UFO union have called a two-day strike on Tuesday and Wednesday. The industrial action will affect flights from both Frankfurt and Munich, from 4am-11pm on March 12, and 4am-11pm on March 13.

The UFO union said that a majority of 96.28% of those balloted voted in favour industrial action. The move comes after the union has been calling for a pay increase for its 18,000 members with Lufthansa and around 1,000 at the Lufthansa Cityline, citing the airlines' strong performance in 2023 as one of the factors.

Approximately 120,000 passengers are expected to be affected by the strikes, reports the Sun.

Is your flight affected by the strikes? Email us at [email protected]

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Lufthansa has been forced to cancel flights over the strike days (AFP via Getty Images)

A statement on the airline's website explains: "The UFO union has called on Lufthansa cabin crew to strike on Tuesday, March 12 in Frankfurt and Wednesday, March 13 in Munich. As a result, the airline will have to adjust its flight program on both days.

"Guests whose flights are affected by the UFO strike are currently being rebooked. This process has the highest priority for us and is still ongoing. We therefore ask for your patience.

"Guests whose booking has already been processed will receive information about the cancellation of their flight and, of course, rebooking options individually by email or in the Lufthansa app."

Passengers in Germany have also been warned that a nationwide strike by the train drivers' union GDL, means that on March 12 train services will be completely cancelled. Lufthansa added: "We regret the inconvenience that the UFO strike call and the rail strike may cause for your travel planning and thank you for your understanding in view of the current exceptional situation."

Under EU regulations, if your flight is cancelled due to strike action at an airline, you are entitled to a range of options including a full refund, or being booked onto an alternative flight to your destination.

If your flight is delayed, the compensation you're entitled to depends on the length of your flight. For flights less than 1,500km there needs to be a delay of two hours, for flights between 1,500km and 3,500km a delay of three hours, and for flights over 3,500km a delay of four hours.

Compensation can include food and drink, access to phone calls and emails, accommodation if you’re delayed overnight and journeys between the airport and the hotel. Sometimes this is through vouchers, but if you're told to buy anything yourself make sure you keep the receipts and stick to reasonable costs so you can claim it back from the airline later. You can find out more on the Citizens Advice Bureau website.

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Julie Delahaye