Europe:airline Lufthansa Cancels 46 Flights Because of Pilot's Strike

FRANKFURT,Germany -Airline operator Deutsche Lufthansa AG said Wednesday that it has canceled 46 flights because of a pilot strike at its CityLine and Eurowings subsidiaries.

Thomas Jachnow, a spokesman for the Cologne-based airline, said flights out of Stuttgart, Berlin, Duesseldorf, Hamburg and Bremen have been affected, with most of them domestic routes or nearby European destinations.

Union Vereinigung Cockpit said the walkout was called because of an ongoing dispute over wage increases that has been going on for months.

``Because employers haven't presented a negotiable offer in negotiations that have been going on for months, personnel representatives of all three airlines see no alternative but to declare talks a failure,'' Vereinigung Cockpit said in a statement.

Editor's Note

-Airline disruptions

Those planning to travel by air to or from this destination should check with their airline or travel agent immediately to reconfirm travel arrangements. If your flight has been canceled, request the next available flight. Traffic on roadways leading to airports may be considerably slower than normal.
Airports are likely to become very crowded, and lines will be long. Allow a good measure of extra time to get to the airport, check in and go through security.

-Civil war

If your destination is a country where a civil war or coup d'etat is ongoing or seems likely, register with your embassy as soon as you arrive. Ask the embassy about evacuation plans in the event of emergency. Try to limit your time in the country and have a contingency plan for how you will get out if the airports shut down. If you can't leave, gather stocks of food and water in your hotel room. Filling the bathtub with water in advance can provide a supply if water supplies are shut off. If the situation deteriorates, try to reach your embassy by phone. Stay in your hotel if you hear gunfire or shelling. Stay away from windows, keep the drapes closed, and sleep in the part of the room that offers the most protection from possible gunfire.

-Demonstrations/protests

Avoid large public gatherings and plan routes around any rallies or demonstrations. Government buildings, such as police stations, and businesses with foreign affiliations can provide a focus for anger and should be avoided. Remain alert to your surroundings and maintain a low profile--don't do, say or wear anything that would call undue attention to yourself. If violence breaks out, quickly but calmly move away and seek shelter in a hotel or large public building, such as a museum or library. Traffic and public transport may be disrupted; plan alternate routes you can use if roads are closed or blocked, and allow extra time for any travel in the area. If you encounter a roadblock or barricade erected by either demonstrators or security forces, be patient and avoid provoking a confrontation.

-Unauthorized roadblocks

If you encounter a roadblock that does not appear to be manned by uniformed police or you notice a disturbance on the road ahead, turn around and use an alternate route. To minimize the chance of being trapped by a car pulling up behind you, leave some space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Be prepared to drive away if you notice people approaching your vehicle. Plan before you start your trip where you will go to seek assistance if a car attempts to block you or if you are prevented from reaching your destination.

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