Lufthansa Flight Attendants and Pilots Strike on February 12, Impacting Over 460 Flights and NRW Travelers

On February 12, 2026, Lufthansa faced a one-day strike by its flight attendants and pilots that led to the cancellation of more than 460 flights, particularly impacting travelers in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). This strike, called by the pilots' union VC and the cabin crew union UFO, disrupts Lufthansa and its regional subsidiary Cityline, with about 800 jobs at Cityline threatened due to its imminent closure.

The flight attendants in NRW are striking to push for better working conditions and social plans amid Cityline's shutdown. Lufthansa has been managing the disruption by facilitating rebooking options and advising passengers to register contact details for flight status notifications via email or the Lufthansa app. Passengers affected are entitled to compensation ranging from 250 to 600 euros depending on the flight distance for cancellations or significant delays. Moreover, passengers stranded due to the strike can claim meals, refreshments, and accommodation if necessary, and those with package tours must receive alternative transportation arranged by their tour operators.

Passengers also have the right to a refund if they choose not to travel, which Lufthansa must process within seven days. While subsidiaries Eurowings and Discover are not affected, and other airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Condor continue operating normally, the strike represents part of a broader wave of labor disputes in Germany. The year 2026 sees heightened strike activity across many sectors, following a negotiation pause in 2025, with unions pressing for better contracts amid economic challenges.

According to reports, over ten million workers in Germany are negotiating new collective agreements this year, with strikes already impacting various industries, including public transport, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors. The labor unrest reflects growing concerns over job security and working conditions as companies grapple with energy costs and economic pressures.

Lufthansa's current strike is a significant event within this national labor climate, highlighting ongoing challenges in the aviation sector and affecting thousands of passengers, especially in NRW. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about their flight status and their passenger rights during this disruption.