A nationwide strike by airport workers organized by the trade union Verdi has resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights across Germany, creating significant disruptions for air travelers. The industrial action commenced unexpectedly on Sunday in Hamburg, rapidly escalating to include major airports like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin. Passengers have been advised to avoid airport travel amid severe operational impacts.
Germany's busiest airport, Frankfurt, announced that travelers would be unable to board flights, and transfer services would “almost certainly” be compromised. Reports indicate that thousands of flight cancellations could affect over half a million passengers as a result of this strike action. Lufthansa, which operates from Frankfurt, stated that extensive delays and cancellations are evident across all its flights, while Munich Airport warned of a significantly reduced flight schedule.
Katja Bromm, spokesperson for Hamburg Airport, criticized the Verdi union for calling a strike without prior notice, calling it "dishonorable" especially at the peak of the holiday season. Despite acknowledging the inconvenience, a Verdi representative defended the strike as a necessary tactic to secure a more favorable deal from employers.
In addition to airport disruptions, Verdi has initiated strikes in waste collection services across German cities such as Berlin, Essen, and Kiel, highlighting the broader scale of industrial action taking place. The union is demanding an 8% pay increase for airport workers, or a minimum of €350 more monthly, along with enhanced bonuses and additional leave. Employers have deemed these demands financially unfeasible, which could lead to further strikes this week in government-operated facilities, as reported by news agency DPA. The next negotiation round is scheduled for Friday in Potsdam.
