Lufthansa Group Criticizes Pilots’ Strike Amid Iran Conflict

‍BERLIN — Lufthansa Group criticized a planned strike by its pilots on Wednesday, as the airline already faces ongoing unrest in the Middle East and volatile fuel prices.

The proposed strike would begin on March 12 at 12:01 am and last until March 13 at 11:59 pm. Both LH’s passenger and cargo operations would be affected, though flights to the Middle East are exempt from the walkout.

"This escalation is completely incomprehensible, especially at a time when we are experiencing a new level of geopolitical uncertainty with the war ​in Iran and passengers worldwide are being affected," board ​member Michael Niggemann said in a statement.

The Vereinigung Cockpit union called on the airline to reach an agreement, stating that "It's no use if the other side only signals a willingness to talk but refuses to discuss substantial improvements to the ​company pension scheme."

Lufthansa to offer flexibility to passengers during strike 

Lufthansa (LH) is offering flexibility for passengers planning to travel during the proposed strike, allowing them to make changes or cancel flights free of charge. The carrier is also offering alternative travel options on the Deutsche Bahn.

The airline states that while cancellations are unavoidable, it will still operate a limited schedule during the two-day walkout.

“Lufthansa is working intensively to keep the impact on passengers as low as possible. We are trying to have as many flights as possible operated by other airlines within the Lufthansa Group and by partner airlines.”