Lufthansa cancels long-haul flights over pilot strike

Lufthansa cancelled almost half of its long-haul flights scheduled for today as pilots planned a fourth straight day of walkouts in a row over cost cuts and early retirement benefits.

Lufthansa wants to cut spending to levels nearer those of its rivals. It is squeezed by budget carriers Ryanair and easyJet on European routes and by airlines such as Turkish and Emirates on long-haul flights.

Strikes cost it over €200m in lost operating profit last year. Losses are mounting again as pilots prepare for their 15th walkout since last April.