Massive Airport Strike Grounds Flights Across Germany: What Travelers Need to Know

Widespread Disruption at Major German Airports

A major strike by airport workers has led to the cancellation of most flights at 13 key airports in Germany, including major hubs like Frankfurt and Munich. The strike, which began at midnight on March 10, is part of an ongoing dispute over wages and working conditions involving public-sector employees, ground staff, and security personnel. The German Airports Association (ADV) reports that over half a million travelers could face disruptions, with more than 3,400 flights expected to be canceled.

Impact on Passengers and Airlines

Passengers have been advised to avoid traveling to airports and to contact their airlines or tour operators for rebooking or alternative travel options. Frankfurt Airport, the busiest in Germany, has announced that no passenger flights will depart on the strike day, with 1,050 out of 1,116 scheduled flights already canceled. The Lufthansa Group, which operates from Frankfurt, has confirmed extensive delays and cancellations across its airlines, including Lufthansa, Eurowings, Austrian Airlines, and Swiss International Air Lines.

Affected Airports and Future Operations

The strike has also impacted Berlin Brandenburg Airport, where all regular departures and arrivals have been canceled. Hamburg Airport has warned of significant disruptions, advising passengers not to come to the airport and to check with their airlines. Cologne/Bonn Airport has suspended regular passenger services, and Munich Airport has reduced its flight schedule significantly. The strike has affected other airports, including Hannover, Bremen, and Stuttgart, with smaller airports like Weeze and Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden seeing security staff walkouts.

Ongoing Negotiations and Future Strikes

The ver.di service workers union organized the strike, targeting multiple airports to pressure ongoing wage negotiations. The strike is part of two separate disputes: one concerning airport security workers and another involving federal and municipal government employees. Negotiations for the latter are set to resume soon, while talks for airport security workers are scheduled for later in March. The union’s surprise strike at Hamburg Airport on March 9 added to the disruption, leaving many passengers stranded.