Lufthansa has said that it will be forced to cancel 3,800 fights this week as a pilot strike hits the German airline.

The strike, over pay and conditions, will affect 425,000 passengers over Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

"The announcement alone has already caused significant damages since passengers have already rebooked flights and logistic customers have made arrangements with other cargo airlines to secure the transport of their goods," it said in a statement.

"During the three-day walkout by Cockpit teams, there will only be around 500 short- and long-haul flights by Lufthansa and Germanwings," Lufthansa said.

It added that the group’s other airlines, including Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, Lufthansa CityLine and Air Dolomiti, would not be taking part in the strike and would use larger planes where possible to carry additional passengers.