Passengers faced significant disruption at Lufthansa as cabin crew launched a two-day strike amidst ongoing labor disputes during the airline's centenary celebrations. The walkout, organized by the UFO union, coincided with a ceremony attended by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, highlighting tensions within the airline's workforce over working conditions.

This strike is part of a series of industrial actions by Lufthansa staff, including earlier pilot strikes that halted much of the airline’s operations earlier this week. Pilots plan additional walkouts on Thursday and Friday to demand higher pay and improved pensions, affecting Lufthansa's core and affiliated airlines such as Lufthansa Cargo and Lufthansa CityLine. Meanwhile, Eurowings is also expected to be impacted.

Chancellor Merz praised Lufthansa’s strategic importance to Germany’s economy and global image at the centennial event, despite the protests. He acknowledged the company’s historical ties to Germany’s wartime past and emphasized the need for sustainable, cost-efficient aviation technology to maintain Germany’s business competitiveness. The strikes, protests, and ongoing negotiations highlight the complex challenge Lufthansa faces in balancing labor demands with maintaining operational stability during a milestone year.