FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - Strikes by flight crews at Lufthansa continue with unabated intensity. On Tuesday, the second day of the pilots' walkout resulted in hundreds of additional cancellations at the flagship carrier and its regional subsidiary, Cityline. A similar disruption is anticipated for Wednesday and Thursday, as flight attendants are set to commence their own industrial action.

Lufthansa shares were trading 1.1 percent higher at 7.85 euros by Tuesday afternoon, amid a buoyant Dax. A slight retreat in oil prices prompted some investors to pick up the stock. However, prior to the outbreak of the Iran conflict, the share price stood significantly higher, exceeding 9 euros.

At its primary hubs in Frankfurt and Munich alone, Germany's largest airline was forced to scrap more than 900 arrivals and departures on Tuesday. In contrast, flights by Lufthansa's leisure subsidiary Eurowings, which faced its first strike on Monday, resumed scheduled operations in Berlin, Dusseldorf, and other airports. Lufthansa Cargo was also hit by the walkout as the dispute over pilot pensions continues.

Fifth wave of strikes overshadows centenary

The fifth wave of industrial action by flight crews, beginning Wednesday, is set to overshadow the official ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the original Lufthansa's founding. Unions are planning a rally in front of the corporate headquarters at Frankfurt Airport. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (both CDU) are among those expected to attend the Lufthansa event at the company's new visitor center.

The deadlock between the negotiating parties remains firm. While the pilots' union, Vereinigung Cockpit, is demanding offers on the contentious issues of pensions and pay, management is refusing any cost increases at the low-margin core airline. Chief Human Resources Officer Michael Niggemann warned that every strike diminishes the size of the affected carrier.

The situation is similar with the cabin crew union, Ufo, which is striking for improved working conditions under the framework collective agreement and seeking a social plan for Cityline employees. In an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" (Tuesday), Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr made it clear that the Executive Board and Supervisory Board are sticking to their chosen strategy: "We only operate aircraft where they generate value."/ceb/DP/men