Lufthansa is facing significant disruption as both the pilots' union Cockpit and the cabin crew union Ufo have called for strikes, leading to expected flight cancellations on Thursday. The strike will impact all flights originating from Germany, including cargo services, although the precise extent of the cancellations remains unclear pending further details from the unions. A spokesperson for Lufthansa stated that they are awaiting more information from the unions regarding the strike's impact.

The pilots are officially striking for increased employer contributions to occupational and transition pensions, a decision which was supported by a majority of their members in a vote last autumn. In contrast, Ufo is conducting a warning strike without a member vote to push for negotiations on collective agreements at Lufthansa's core company and its regional subsidiary Cityline, where the company strategy threatens around 800 jobs. Ufo is demanding a negotiated social plan to address these job cuts, highlighting tensions between the union and management.

With labor actions unfolding in the German aviation sector, the situation underscores ongoing challenges in the industry, particularly regarding labor relations and job security. As the unions fight for better conditions, passengers are warned to prepare for disruptions, shedding light on the broader implications for air travel in Germany and potentially beyond as airlines navigate these turbulent labor dynamics.