The German carrier’s pilots are poised to strike on Wednesday and Thursday (7-8 September) in a dispute over pay.

It comes after pilots walked out on Friday (2 September), a move that triggered hundreds of flight cancellations.

Lufthansa said on Tuesday (6 September) that even if there were to be a breakthrough with pilots union Vereiniging Cockpit, it would come so late in the day as to inevitably result in "massive effects" on its flight operations.

Michael Niggemann, Lufthansa chief human resources officer and labour director, said: "It is regrettable this wage dispute continues to escalate despite an agreed negotiation date. We lack any understanding for this course of action. The path of escalation is also wrong because we know our pilots would much rather fly than strike.

"Nevertheless, we will do everything in our power to succeed with an improved offer, even under time pressure."
In a statement, Lufthansa said a court ruling last week resulted in the union presenting a revised key demand on Tuesday – one of 16 in total.

"The previous demand for automated inflation compensation has been replaced by a demand for an annual pay increase of 8.2% starting in 2023 – in addition to a 5.5% increase this year," said Lufthansa.

The airline said it would make an improved pay offer on Tuesday.