Berlin: A major strike by airport workers has brought air travel in Germany to a near standstill on Monday, 10 March, affecting 13 major airports, including key hubs like Frankfurt and Munich. The walkout, organized by the ver.di union, has led to the cancellation of thousands of flights, leaving over half a million passengers facing severe travel disruptions.
The German Airports Association (ADV) estimates that more than 3,400 flights have been cancelled nationwide, urging travelers to avoid airports and check with airlines for alternative arrangements. Frankfurt Airport, the country's busiest, announced that no passenger flights would depart throughout the day, with connections and transfers also expected to be significantly impacted. Of the 1,116 scheduled flights at Frankfurt, 1,050 had already been cancelled by early Monday.
Other major airports, including Berlin, Hamburg, and Cologne/Bonn, have also experienced significant disruptions. Berlin Airport confirmed that all scheduled arrivals and departures would be affected, while Hamburg Airport stated that no departures would take place, warning of widespread cancellations and delays.
Cologne/Bonn Airport reported a complete halt to regular passenger services, advising travelers to contact airlines before heading to the airport. Meanwhile, Munich Airport warned of a "greatly reduced flight schedule" and urged passengers to verify flight statuses in advance.
The 24-hour strike, which began at midnight, involves public-sector employees working in airport operations, ground handling, and security. It is part of two ongoing wage disputes—one concerning airport security staff and another related to broader negotiations for federal and municipal government employees.
The strike action was extended at Hamburg Airport, where workers walked off the job on Sunday, 9 March, leading to early disruptions and additional flight cancellations.
Negotiations for public-sector wages are set to continue on Friday, while discussions regarding airport security worker contracts will resume on 26 March.
