Berlin, December 3 (RHC)-- Pilots at German flag carrier Lufthansa have extend their latest two-day strike to long-haul flights in protest at an early retirement plan. In addition to domestic and European routes, the pilots at Deutsche Lufthansa AG grounded long-haul flights on Tuesday, stranding thousands of passengers.

According to Lufthansa, half of its flights were canceled on Monday and Tuesday, which affected some 150,000 passengers of long-distance flights. The latest walkout, which began two days ago, was organized by the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) union.

The VC, which represents nearly 5,400 of Lufthansa Group’s 9,000 pilots, has warned Lufthansa officials to expect strike extensions if its demands are not met.

The pilots have been striking against plans by the management to increase the age of early retirement. Pilots are currently allowed to retire at the age of 55 and receive up to 60 percent of their pay until they reach 65.