Lufthansa flights will be grounded today due to strike action at multiple German airports as part of a mass walkout by transport workers.
The airline warned that the 24-hour action at airports will stop flight operations.
All flights from the carrier’s main hubs at Frankfurt and Munich are among those affected, causing disruption to hundreds of thousands of passengers.
Germany’s airport association reportedly said about 380,000 air travellers would be affected by the strike but added that it was “beyond any imaginable and justifiable measure”.
Lufthansa described rebooking alternatives as being “very limited” and it will not be possible to for all passengers to find a “timely alternative”.
The situation was compounded by a breakdown at the airline’s IT service provider, limiting check-in to the Lufthansa app only.
Transport across Germany is being targeted today by two of the country’s largest unions demanding higher pay to counter rising costs of living costs.
Walkouts started at midnight at airports, ports, railways, bus services and underground services.
Lufthansa said: “For Monday, March 27, the trade union ver.di has called for a one-day strike at several German airports – this will stop flight operations at Lufthansa.
“For Munich airport, these restrictions will additionally already apply on Sunday, March 26.
“Due to the extraordinary situation and the high number of cancellations combined with only a reduced number of rebooking options, we will not be able to offer solutions for all passengers.
“We advise you not to travel to the airports without a confirmed booking for a flight.
“Unfortunately, it will not be possible to offer you any short-term rebooking solutions at the airport desks. Due to the regular passenger traffic on weekends, the airport halls are already heavily frequented.
“If you have planned a domestic flight, we ask you to travel by train in the coming days.”