Lufthansa Announces Special Timetable For Pilots’ Strike Days

Lufthansa has announced special timetables for the next two days in response to planned strike action by its Vereinigung Cockpit pilots’ union. The union has called for a nationwide strike affecting all Lufthansa flights operated with Airbus A320-family, Boeing 737 and Embraer aircraft from 13:00 CEST on Monday 20 October to 23:59 CEST on Tuesday 21 October.

The special timetables can be found on Lufthansa’s website.

In view of the length of the strike action called, Lufthansa’s short- and medium-haul services are likely to suffer substantial disruption during the strike period. But as part of its special timetable preparations, the company is currently determining which flights can still be operated. Lufthansa’s long-haul services will operate normally today (Monday); but travelers are still asked to check the status of their flight prior to their departure.

Travelers whose flight is cancelled as a result of the strike action have the options of rebooking or canceling their ticket free of charge. Customers who have booked a Lufthansa flight for 20 or 21 October can also rebook their ticket once free of charge even if their original flight is expected to operate. Tickets for travel within Germany can also be exchanged for a rail ticket on the airline’s website or at any Lufthansa QuickCheck-In machine.

The flights of sister Lufthansa Group carriers Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Germanwings, SWISS and Air Dolomiti (operated by OS, SN, 4U, LX and EN) will operate normally during the strike period.

Customers who have provided contact details will also be informed by email or SMS text message of any changes to their flights.

Vereinigung Cockpit disagrees with Lufthansa’s intention to redesign pilots’ current transitional benefits. However, according to an announcement, the German airline considers the proposed transitional benefits to be among the best (if not the best) in global aviation industry. Furthermore, Lufthansa has stated its intention to open a dialogue with the representatives of the union, who have not made any proposals so far.