Strike-hit Lufthansa cancels long-haul flights

FRANKFURT: Lufthansa said Wednesday it canceled its first international long-haul flights as a strike by ground and cabin crew at Germany's biggest airline entered its third day. Deutsche Lufthansa AG said it canceled four flights to the U.S., India and Canada. The rest of the 78 flights canceled Wednesday were for destinations in Germany and Europe.

Spokeswoman Amelie Lorenz said the canceled flights accounted for about 4 percent of the airline's total flight capacity. She said that affected passengers were being put on flights operated by other airlines. The ver.di union, which represents about 50,000 ground service personnel and a small number of cabin staff, started an open-ended strike for more pay Monday.

The union is seeking a 9.8 percent pay rise for a year, while the airline has offered 7.7 percent for 21 months including a one-time bonus payment. The first day of strikes had little effect on the Cologne-based airline's flights, but approximately 70 flights were canceled Tuesday. Shares of Lufthansa were up nearly 1 percent at euro15.24 (US$23.92) in morning trading in Frankfurt.