Lufthansa schedule hit by pilots’ strike

Pilots at German carrier Lufthansa and subsidiary Germanwings have begun a planned four-day strike, prompting the airlines to issue heavily reduced timetables. The strike, called by the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) pilots’ union to protest against airline restructuring and pay disputes, started today and will last until Thursday 25 (see online news February 18). Lufthansa today (February 22) said it would do its “utmost to reduce the impact for travellers” but admitted that as many as two thirds of affected flights would have to be cancelled. Lufthansa’s subsidiaries Lufthansa Cargo and leisure carrier Germanwings have also been affected, but not Lufthansa Italia. Germanwings has also issued a revised timetable. Passengers travelling with Lufthansa should visit lufthansa.com for the new timetables. The new schedules are expected to change, and Lufthansa said that “where possible” it would rebook affected passengers on alternative flights. Despite issuing revised timetables for all four days, Lufthansa said short notice cancellations “might still occur.” Germanwings said it would operate 400 out of 600 normally schedules flights during the four-day strike. A replacement flight schedule can be viewed at germanwings.com, or UK passengers can call a special hotline on 0906 294 1918. Germanwings passengers that booked before February 16 for travel before March 25 will be offered alternative flights, or be given a full refund, the airline said today. Lufthansa is also offering a rebooking service to passengers, provided tickets were issued before February 18 and the new travel date is before May 31, 2010. Passengers on domestic Lufthansa flights can also claim a refund for travel by train. For more information visit lufthansa.com, germanwings.com. Germanwings hotline 0906 294 1918 (UK only)