Is your Lufthansa flight on Thursday, February 12, 2026, cancelled? You are not alone. A major 24-hour strike involving both pilots and cabin crew has been confirmed, effectively grounding the majority of Lufthansa’s operations across Germany.

If you are flying to, from, or via Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC), here is everything you need to know about your flight status, rebooking options, and EU 261 compensation rights.

Strike Snapshot: What is Happening?

• Strike Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026.
• Time: 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM (24 hours).
• Who is Striking?
  – Pilots: Represented by Vereinigung Cockpit (VC).
  – Cabin Crew: Represented by UFO (including Lufthansa CityLine staff).
• Why? Collapse of negotiations regarding pension schemes and retirement benefits after seven rounds of failed talks.
• Affected Airlines:
  ❌ Lufthansa Mainline (Massive cancellations)
  ❌ Lufthansa Cargo
  ❌ Lufthansa CityLine
  ✅ Eurowings (Operating normally)
  ✅ Discover Airlines (Operating normally)
  ✅ Lufthansa City Airlines (Check status, but likely operating)

Which Airports are Hardest Hit?

This is a nationwide German strike, meaning every major German airport will see departures grounded.

1. Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

As Lufthansa’s primary global hub, Frankfurt will see the highest volume of cancellations. If you are connecting through FRA on Feb 12, your inbound flight might operate, but your connecting flight out will likely be cancelled.

• Advice: Do not travel to FRA if your connection is cancelled. Hotels near the airport will fill up instantly.

2. Munich Airport (MUC)

Lufthansa’s secondary hub will also face a near-total standstill for Lufthansa departures.

• Advice: If you are stranded in Munich, look for train connections immediately (details below).

3. Other German Cities (Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf)

While Lufthansa has a smaller presence here compared to the hubs, “feeder flights” to Frankfurt and Munich will be cancelled, cutting off international connections.

What Should You Do Now? (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Check Your Status Online

Do not call the hotline yet—lines will be jammed.

• Go to Lufthansa.com or the Lufthansa App.
• Check “My Bookings” to see if your flight is officially marked as “Cancelled.”

Step 2: Don’t Go to the Airport

If your flight is cancelled, there will be no staff available to help you at the airport counters. You will only add to the chaos. Stay at home or your hotel.

Step 3: Rebook or Refund

• Auto-Rebooking: Lufthansa’s system will attempt to rebook you automatically. Check your email.
• Self-Service: If the auto-option doesn’t work for you, log in to “My Bookings” and look for the “Change Flight” option. You can often switch to Star Alliance partners (United, Air Canada, SWISS, Austrian) effectively bypassing the strike.
• Refund: If you choose not to fly, you are entitled to a full refund of the unused ticket cost within 7 days.

Step 4: The “Rail & Fly” Option (Domestic Germany)

If you are travelling within Germany (e.g., Munich to Berlin), you can convert your domestic flight ticket into a Deutsche Bahn train ticket via the Lufthansa website.

• Note: Trains will be crowded. Reserve a seat if possible.

 The Big Question: Are You Owed Compensation?

YES. Unlike strikes by airport security or Air Traffic Control (which are “extraordinary circumstances”), a strike by airline staff (pilots/crew) is considered within the airline’s control under EU Law.

According to EU Regulation 261/2004, if your flight is cancelled with less than 14 days’ notice, you may be entitled to cash compensation in addition to your refund/rebooking.

Compensation Amounts (Per Passenger):

• Short haul (< 1,500km): €250 (e.g., Frankfurt to London)
• Medium haul (1,500km – 3,500km): €400 (e.g., Munich to Dubai)
• Long haul (> 3,500km): €600 (e.g., Frankfurt to New York)

Important: Lufthansa may initially reject claims citing “exceptional circumstances.” However, the European Court of Justice has ruled that staff strikes over pay/pensions are eligible for compensation. Do not accept the first “no.”

Cancelled Flights Compensation in the EU up to €600: Your Ultimate Guide