Lufthansa strike grounds hundreds of flights in Germany

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) – A new strike by Lufthansa’s cabin crew has forced the company to cancel nearly 600 flights on Tuesday, affecting around 70,000 passengers.

The strike began at 4 a.m. local time (0300GMT) at the country’s busiest hub, Frankfurt Airport, and was set to continue until 11 p.m. (2200GMT), according to a statement by the trade union UFO.

Lufthansa Airlines said the strike has led to the cancellation of around 600 flights arriving or departing from Frankfurt Airport. All passengers were advised to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airport.

According to the union, the strike will continue on Wednesday at Munich Airport, starting from 4 a.m. local time (0300GMT), and lasting until 11 p.m. (2200GMT).

It is expected to ground around 400 Lufthansa flights, affecting 50,000 passengers.

The UFO is demanding a 15% wage increase for its nearly 18,000 members with Lufthansa, over an 18-month contract period. The union also wants an inflation adjustment bonus of €3,000 ($3,280).