Holiday travelers be warned: Lufthansa subsidiary Discover Airlines is bracing for a pilots' union strike
Just as the holiday season begins, the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) union has issued a call to action for its members at Lufthansa subsidiary Discover Airlines. Starting from early morning until lunchtime, pilots are set to engage in a warning strike.
As Discover Airlines operates from Lufthansa hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, several departures from Germany could be affected by this strike action. The young airline, launched in 2021, boasts a fleet of 24 Airbus aircraft and is responsible for eleven flights from Frankfurt, with destinations ranging from short-haul trips within Europe to long-haul adventures in Florida and the Dominican Republic. In Munich, Discover operates under Lufthansa flight numbers.
The scale of passenger disruption caused by this strike is yet to be determined. A representative from the company acknowledged that they are working diligently to implement a backup flight plan and minimize potential inconvenience to passengers.
The discord stemming from the warning strike can be attributed to the lack of progress in collective bargaining talks between the union and Lufthansa regarding the first pilots' agreement for the airline. The union expressed concern over the stalled negotiations, noting that employers had engaged in delaying tactics before withdrawing previous concessions and presenting new demands for collective bargaining. The union emphasized the need for reliable working conditions for flight staff.
However, Lufthansa presented a more optimistic perspective, claiming that negotiations were progressing well and that a collective bargaining agreement was on the horizon. While certain provisions have been agreed upon, both sides remain committed to resuming discussions in January with the aim of reaching an expedient conclusion.
Germany's aviation sector has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly in regions like Bavaria (home to Munich) and Hesse (where Frankfurt is located). Discover Airlines, as a subsidiary of Lufthansa, plays a vital role in this expansion, connecting travelers from around the world.
Travelers planning to fly with Discover Airlines during the strike period would be wise to monitor the situation closely and consider alternative transportation arrangements if necessary. The holiday rush may also result in increased demand for alternative flights, so planning ahead and booking early can help ensure a smooth journey.
Additional Insights
While negotiations between the union and Lufthansa have not been resolved, it is worth noting that Lufthansa Group and Vereinigung Cockpit have an existing long-term collective bargaining agreement set to conclude by 2027[1]. Although this provides a broader framework for negotiations, the specifics of the current dispute remain unclear and require more recent and specialized sources for a complete and up-to-date understanding.
References:
[1] Travelio.de. (2025, February 5). .
