Germany’s air travel sector is facing severe disruption as a nationwide airport strike led by the ver.di union brings operations to a standstill.
The 24-hour strike on Monday, March 10 affects 11 major airports, including Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin-Brandenburg, with thousands of flights canceled or delayed.
The strike stems from an ongoing wage dispute between the union and federal and municipal employers, with workers demanding higher wages, better compensation for irregular hours, and additional vacation days. As negotiations remain deadlocked, the walkout has left airlines scrambling to adjust schedules and passengers stranded across the country.
Which Airports Are Affected?
The strike action, which began at midnight on Monday (2300 GMT Sunday) and will continue until 11:59 PM (2259 GMT Monday night), has impacted operations at:
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
- Munich Airport (MUC)
- Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (BER)
- Hamburg Airport (HAM)
- Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN)
- Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
- Dortmund Airport (DTM)
- Stuttgart Airport (STR)
- Bremen Airport (BRE)
- Hannover Airport (HAJ)
- Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ)
Why Are Airport Workers Striking?
The ver.di union, which represents public sector airport workers, is demanding:
- An 8% wage increase or a minimum monthly raise of €350 ($380)
- Improved compensation for irregular working hours
- Three additional vacation days
Union representatives argue that airport workers are essential to keeping air travel operational and deserve better pay and working conditions.
“We require better working conditions, more time off, and appropriate compensation for all public sector employees, including thousands of colleagues who keep air traffic running daily,” ver.di said in a statement.
“We feel compelled to take this warning strike because the employers have not yet made any offer in the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations for public sector employees and have shown no willingness to meet our legitimate demands. The employees at the airports do essential work for the smooth running of air traffic and bear a major responsibility for the safety of all passengers. They too deserve fair pay and better working conditions,” explains Christine Behle, deputy chair of ver.di.
ver.di is deliberately announcing the warning strike early to give passengers planning security. “We regret the inconvenience this strike will cause for passengers. But without the pressure of industrial action, there will be no movement in the negotiations. That is why we are informing people today so that travelers can prepare for the restrictions in good time,” Behle continued.
How Are Airlines and Passengers Affected?
Major airlines, including Lufthansa, have had to cancel hundreds of flights, warning passengers to expect long delays and disruptions. Travelers are advised to:
- Check flight status updates before heading to the airport.
- Consider alternative travel routes, including trains or buses.
- Be prepared for extended waiting times at affected airports.
While some flights may still operate, particularly long-haul international services, most short-haul and domestic flights have been heavily impacted.
Is There an End in Sight?
The next round of negotiations between the ver.di union and public sector employers is scheduled for late next week. If no agreement is reached, further industrial action could follow, creating more uncertainty for travelers.