Hundreds of flights across Germany have been cancelled as airport workers launched a nationwide strike over pay, causing widespread travel disruptions. The strike, led by the trade union Verdi, initially began at Hamburg Airport on Sunday before spreading to major airports, including Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin.
Frankfurt Airport, the busiest in Germany, has warned passengers to avoid traveling, with officials stating that boarding and transfers would be “almost certainly” disrupted. Munich Airport similarly cautioned travelers about a heavily reduced flight schedule. Lufthansa confirmed major delays and cancellations across its network due to the strike.
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According to German media, thousands of flights could be cancelled, impacting over 500,000 passengers. Many travelers who had already checked in their luggage are now struggling to retrieve their belongings amidst the chaos.
The union Verdi is demanding an 8% pay increase, or at least €350 more per month, alongside additional benefits and time off. However, employers have rejected these demands, calling them unaffordable. The strike has extended beyond airports, with waste collection services in cities like Berlin, Essen, and Kiel also affected, leaving garbage uncollected for days.
More strikes are anticipated in government and municipal facilities throughout the week, with the next round of negotiations set for Friday in Potsdam.
