Lufthansa is operating to a special timetable today as flights are disrupted by strike action.

The move follows a decision by Vereinigung Cockpit pilots’ union to call its members at Lufthansa German Airlines and Lufthansa Cargo out on strike in a long running dispute over pay and conditions.

A total of 1,500 passenger flights (including some 170 long-haul services) and seven cargo flights were scheduled to be operated during the planned strike period.

With a relatively large number of cockpit personnel indicating their willingness to fly, the airline will be able to operate more than half of its intercontinental passenger services despite the VC’s strike call.

All in all, 84 long-haul services from or to Frankfurt, Munich or Düsseldorf will have to be cancelled, while 90 such flights can be operated. 

The willingness of many pilots to work despite the strike call will also permit all seven scheduled cargo flights to be performed.

Lufthansa Cargo will thus be able to maintain its full flight program.

Relations between management and the Vereinigung Cockpit pilots’ union, which represents around 5,000 Lufthansa and Germanwings pilots, broke down again last week.

The union has offered concessions, including increasing the average retirement age to 60 and looking at ways to bring costs down to a level comparable with easyJet.

This is the 13th strike in 18 months at the German flag-carrier.

Any customers whose flight is cancelled as a result of the strike will be able to rebook or to cancel their booking free of charge or penalty.

A statement from the airline said: “Lufthansa is doing its utmost to minimise the impact of this strike action on its customers.

“All Lufthansa customers holding tickets for long-haul travel from or to Frankfurt, Munich or Düsseldorf are urged to check the latest status of their flight on LH.com well in advance of their scheduled departure.”