The Verdi public sector union called the strike after 90.7% of its members supported the walk-out over pay.

The union wants a pay rise of 9.8%, while the airline is offering 6.7% in two stages, according to the union.

Lufthansa, which like other airlines is also being squeezed by rising fuel bills, said the stoppage had so far barely disrupted flights.

"Almost 100% of our flights are flying on time," Lufthansa spokesman Klaus Walther told Germany's ZDF channel.

Lufthansa transports 150,000 people daily on average, and July is one of its busiest months.

It employs 100,000 people.

However, union negotiator Erhard Ott said that the effects of the strike would "likely grow in the course of the day and in coming days".

Verdi represents 52,000 air industry workers.

Demands for higher pay come as inflation in Europe's largest economy has quickened.

As well as workers in the airline industry, rail workers and teachers went on strike earlier this year demanding higher pay.

The European Central Bank increased interest rates earlier this month for the first time in a year in an attempt to control inflation, which is at record levels in the eurozone.

BBC