Lufthansa, the national carrier of Germany, plans to cancel over 34,000 scheduled summer flights due to staffing shortages.
A Lufthansa representative stated that the airline had already finalised the summer schedule for 2023. However, Lufthansa has altered its summer schedule between Frankfurt and Munich in light of staff shortages and other factors, confirming that a significant number of flights will be canceled.
Lufthansa plans to reduce its summer travel schedule by more than 30,000 flights, although all impacted passengers will be notified in advance to avoid any last-minute cancellations.
By contacting passengers as soon as possible, the airline hopes that everyone will be able to make alternate arrangements and modify their travel plans.
Aside from dealing with staff shortages, Lufthansa has also been impacted by a Friday staff strike.
On February 17, Lufthansa was forced to cancel more than 1,300 flights due to a 24-hour strike announced by Verdi in Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Dortmund, Hanover, and Bremen.
Michael Niggemann, a member of Lufthansa’s Executive Board, stated that the airline regrets the impact of the strike on passengers and emphasised the vulnerability of the air transportation system.
Niggemann commented, “We are not a party to the collective bargaining and have no influence on it – nevertheless, our guests, and we are massively affected. More than 1,300 flight cancellations for Lufthansa Group airlines alone show once again how vulnerable and fragile the air transport system is to strike activity.”
The airline notified passengers affected by the strike of the cancellation, and to make the situation easier for them, Lufthansa claimed it gave alternative choices such as rail tickets, meal vouchers, and overnight stays.
Other airlines also cancelled numerous flights at the airports listed above.
The 24-hour strike that impacted airports in Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Dortmund, Hanover, and Bremen caused many travellers hardships last week, and all passengers were warned not to travel to airports.
Verdi commented on last week’s walkout, stating that they called for the strike because the appropriate authorities had made minimal attempts to improve their working conditions and wages.
Christine Behle, a member of the Verdi board, stated last week that the German airports continue to suffer from a debilitating labour shortage, and that travellers are the ones most affected.
