A planned pilot strike at Lufthansa is expected to disrupt flights from Germany later this week, adding further strain to global aviation networks already under pressure from the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East.

The two-day strike, organized by the Vereinigung Cockpit pilots’ union, is scheduled to begin Thursday and last 48 hours. Passenger and cargo flights departing from German airports are expected to be affected.

The labour dispute centres on pensions and working conditions following months of negotiations between Lufthansa and the pilots’ union that have failed to produce an agreement. According to the union, pilots moved forward with strike action after the airline did not present what it considers a sufficient proposal regarding the pilots’ pension system.

In an unusual step, the union said flights to several Middle Eastern destinations will be exempt from the strike due to the current regional crisis. Routes to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates are expected to continue operating despite the work stoppage.

Additional Flights

The strike also comes just as Lufthansa Group announced plans to add extra flights in response to increased demand for long-haul travel as airlines adjust operations following the regional disruption.

Due to the rise in demand for long-haul flights at short notice, the airlines of the Lufthansa Group will be offering a number of extra flights, particularly to Asia and Africa.

Lufthansa Airlines plans to add several additional services in the coming weeks. Four extra flights between Munich and Singapore, as well as two special flights between Frankfurt and Cape Town, are already available for booking. The airline is also planning two additional flights between Frankfurt and Riyadh.

Austrian Airlines has also arranged 10 special flights between Vienna and Bangkok.

According to Lufthansa Group, the additional services can be booked through all sales channels. The airline group added that it continues to monitor market developments and will communicate any further additional flights as needed.

Source: Travelweek