Lufthansa CityLine shutdown sparks union protest over severance

The pilots' union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) has strongly criticized Lufthansa Group's reported plans regarding the shutdown of its subsidiary, Lufthansa CityLine. The union is protesting a proposed “social plan zero,” which allegedly provides no financial compensation or severance packages for employees affected by the cessation of flight operations.

Lufthansa CityLine is scheduled to cease operations in April 2026. The dispute involves long-term employees in both cockpit and cabin crew roles, with some having served the company for over 20 years. VC board member and CityLine captain Anja Granvogl described the lack of financial concessions as an “unjustified hardship” and a “slap in the face” to loyal staff.

The union noted that while the Lufthansa Group has reported significant operating profits and paid out executive bonuses, the subsidiary's workforce is being denied adequate protection. The restructuring is part of a broader reorganization of regional flight activities, with services being transferred to newer or more cost-effective operations like City Airlines.