Germany Faces Air Travel Disruption
The Iran crisis is impacting global air travel, especially in Germany, which is facing severe disruptions [https://travelandtourworld.com/news/article/germany-struck-by-devastating-travel-disruptions-with-506-canceled-flights-and-255-delays-by-lufthansa-klm-easyjet-qatar-airways-united-and-more-impacting-routes-in-frankfurt-london-oslo-barce/]. Over 500 flights have been canceled and 250+ delayed due to strikes and the ongoing crisis [https://travelandtourworld.com/news/article/germany-struck-by-devastating-travel-disruptions-with-506-canceled-flights-and-255-delays-by-lufthansa-klm-easyjet-qatar-airways-united-and-more-impacting-routes-in-frankfurt-london-oslo-barce/]. Brussels Airport also canceled all departures [https://www.travelpirates.com/captains-log/european-airport-strikes-march-2026-flight-cancellations], and Milan is set for strikes on March 18 [https://www.travelpirates.com/captains-log/european-airport-strikes-march-2026-flight-cancellations].
Lufthansa pilots represented by Vereinigung Cockpit launched a 48-hour strike on March 12, impacting departures from German airports through March 13. The strike stems from disputes over pension terms and pay negotiations. Lufthansa expects to operate over half of its scheduled flights, including roughly 60% of long-haul routes, during the strike. Brussels Airport canceled all departing passenger flights on March 12 due to a nationwide demonstration affecting security and ground handling staff. Inbound flights are also impacted. The "National Day of Action" was called by Belgium's main trade-union confederations in protest of federal pension and labor-law reforms. Milan airports are bracing for a 24-hour strike on March 18 involving airport handling workers at Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate. EasyJet crews are also scheduled to strike nationally for four hours that same day. The strike could cancel 35-45% of departures and trigger delays across European hubs.
