Aviation strikes: Your rights in the event of flight cancellations

Strikes have been announced again at Lufthansa this week, while a general strike in Belgium is bringing Brussels Airport to a standstill. For many travelers, this means flight cancellations, delays, and uncertainty. The Agency for Passenger Rights apf) provides information on the current situation and explains your rights.

Lufthansa strike on March 12 and 13

According to media reports, the Vereinigung Cockpit pilots' union has called for a 48-hour strike on Thursday, March 12, and Friday, March 13, 2026. Flights operated by Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cargo, and the regional airline Lufthansa CityLine departing from German airports will be affected.

The strike will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday and end at 11:59 p.m. on Friday. Lufthansa expects to be able to resume its regular flight schedule for the most part starting on Saturday, March 14.

General strike in Belgium on March 12

Media reports also indicate that a nationwide general strike is planned in Belgium on Thursday, March 12, 2026, to coincide with the Lufthansa strike. Ground staff and security services at Brussels Airport will be particularly affected. In consultation with the airlines, it has been decided that no departing flights will operate on March 12.

Your rights in the event of flight cancellations due to strikes

Whether you are entitled to compensation depends on who is striking. The EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation makes a clear distinction here:

Airline staff strikes (such as at Lufthansa): According to the European Court of Justice, strikes by airline staff are not considered extraordinary circumstances. This means that the airline is generally obliged to pay compensation if your flight is canceled less than two weeks before departure or arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance:

• up to 1,500 km: 250 euros
• up to 3,500 km (or within the EU): 400 euros
• over 3,500 km: 600 euros

Strikes by airport or security personnel (as in Belgium): Strikes by airport or security personnel who are not employed by the airline are considered extraordinary circumstances. In this case, there is no obligation to pay compensation. However, you are still entitled to care services and alternative transportation.

Replacement transportation or ticket refund

If your flight is canceled, you always have the choice between

• Substitute transportation or
• Ticket refund.

In the event of alternative transportation, the airline must offer you an alternative flight to your final destination as quickly as possible. This may also be with another airline if it has earlier flights available.

The apf recommends that affected passengers contact the airline in writing and request the earliest possible alternative transportation. If the airline does not comply, you have the option of booking an alternative yourself and then claiming back the costs.

Special rules for Lufthansa: Passengers with tickets from Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, or Air Dolomiti tickets issued up to and including March 10, 2026, and booked for flights on March 12 or 13, 2026, can rebook to another Lufthansa Group flight free of charge between March 10 and 23, 2026, or have their ticket refunded at any time.

For canceled flights within Germany, Lufthansa will convert flight tickets into Deutsche Bahn train tickets free of charge. The ticket issued in this way is valid on the day of issue and the following day, with the exception of night trains.

Support services

If you are stranded at the airport due to a strike, you are entitled to care services. These include:

• Food and beverages in reasonable quantities
• Two free phone calls or emails
• For one night's accommodation: hotel room and transfer between the airport and hotel

The waiting time from which this entitlement applies depends on the length of the flight route:

• from 2 hours for short distances up to 1,500 km
• from 3 hours for medium distances
• from 4 hours for long distances

If the airline fails to fulfill its obligation to cover hotel and meal expenses, the apf recommends keeping all invoices and receipts in order to prove the costs and obtain reimbursement.

Important: Keep your invoices

The apf recommends that affected passengers who are not offered alternative transportation by the airline should first contact the company before making their own bookings. If you do have to organize and pay for alternative transportation, meals, or accommodation yourself, be sure to keep all invoices and receipts and keep costs as low as possible.

Tips for those affected

• Check flight status: Before heading to the airport, be sure to check the current status of your flight on your airline's website. You can find the latest information at lufthansa.com and brusselsairport.be.
• Update contact details: Make sure your contact details are up to date in the booking so that you are informed of any changes in good time.
• Do not go to the airport: If your flight has been canceled, do not travel to the airport. First clarify the situation with your airline.
• Contact your travel agency: If you booked through a travel agency, please contact them directly.
• Consider alternatives: If flights are canceled, rental cars, long-distance buses, or trains may also be an option.

Free support from the apf

If you have difficulties with the airline and the above-mentioned claims are not recognized, you don't have to fight on your own - and you don't have to hire expensive claim services.

The Agency for Passenger Rights free and unbureaucratic Agency for Passenger Rights in enforcing claims against airlines—whether for cancellations, delays, lost luggage, or denied boarding.

Contact: Phone: +43 1 5050 707 740 (Mon-Fri 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) orarbitration request: www.apf.gv.at

_Sources:

_{https://www.brusselsairport.be/en/passengers
https://www.lufthansa.com/at/de/fluginformationen
https://www.business-travel.de/generalstreik-in-belgien/64497/
https://www.btu.at/news/2026/03/10/generalstreik-in-belgien}