Industrial action by pilots and cabin crew at Lufthansa has disrupted flights across its network, leaving some Nigerian passengers stranded and forcing others to spend the night at airports.
Passengers affected by cancellations were rebooked onto alternative carriers, including Royal Air Maroc , but some reported delays, technical issues and poor communication from the airline.
Several travelers bound for Nigeria said they were forced to remain overnight at Frankfurt Airport following flight disruptions Thursday.
The disruption follows a series of strikes in April involving cabin crew represented by the Unabhängige Flugbegleiter Organisation and pilots from Vereinigung Cockpit. The unions staged staggered walkouts over demands for higher pay, improved pensions and better working conditions amid restructuring at Lufthansa Group.
Talks with management have stalled, prompting the industrial action.
Lufthansa said the demands are financially unsustainable as it continues to recover from past economic challenges, adding that it remains open to dialogue while maintaining cost discipline to restore profitability.
Major hubs, including Frankfurt and Munich, recorded significant disruption, with hundreds of flights canceled on peak strike days and up to 80% to 90% of operations affected. Tens of thousands of passengers across the airline’s network were impacted.
Amid mounting pressures, including repeated strikes and rising jet fuel costs, Lufthansa said it would accelerate restructuring by retiring all 27 aircraft of its regional subsidiary, Lufthansa CityLine, from service starting April 18, 2026. The airline said affected staff would be offered opportunities within the group, with redundancy negotiations ongoing.
Many stranded passengers were rebooked on other airlines to complete their journeys.
One Nigerian traveler described the experience as frustrating, citing missed appointments and limited communication. Another passenger criticized the handling of rebooked flights, alleging delays and inadequate support for stranded travelers, including some unable to leave the airport due to visa issues.
Nigeria’s aviation regulator, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, said it had been informed of the strikes. Spokesperson Michael Achimugu said airlines may either rebook affected passengers or provide accommodation in line with regulations.
The strikes highlight ongoing labor tensions at Lufthansa as the airline navigates economic pressures.
Passengers affected by cancellations or long delays may be eligible for compensation under European Union air passenger rights rules.
