Germany is currently experiencing significant travel disruptions as airport workers initiate strikes over wage disputes. The industrial action, led by the Verdi trade union, has resulted in widespread flight cancellations and delays, affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers nationwide.
Unannounced strike at Hamburg Airport
On Sunday, Hamburg Airport faced an unexpected strike by ground handling staff, leading to the cancellation of nearly 300 flights. This abrupt action impacted over 40,000 passengers, leaving many stranded or facing significant delays.
The Verdi union, representing these workers, is demanding an 8% wage increase or a minimum monthly raise of €350, along with higher bonuses and additional time off. Employers have deemed these demands unaffordable. The surprise strike was intended to maximize impact and pressure employers in ongoing wage negotiations.
A Verdi spokesperson commented, “We do this to put pressure on the employer so that finally a reasonable offer comes to the table in the negotiations.”
⚠️Update
— Hamburg Airport 🕊 (@HamburgAirport) March 9, 2025
👉No departures and arrivals with passengers possible all day today, March 9
👉Passengers are asked not to come to the airport and to contact their airline
👉Tomorrow, March 10: Strike call extended to security checks, considerable disruption expected pic.twitter.com/YEdrP4W4CH
Nationwide 24-Hour strike
Building on the momentum, Verdi has called for a 24-hour strike on Monday, affecting nearly all major German airports. In a statement, the union said the strikes are necessary to “improve the working conditions of the approximately 25,000 employees.”
“The strike will take place at the airports in Hamburg, Bremen, Hanover, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Weeze, Dortmund, Cologne/Bonn, Leipzig/Halle, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden and Munich,” the union confirmed.
This action is expected to disrupt travel plans for hundreds of thousands of passengers, coinciding with local spring holidays. Frankfurt Airport anticipates halting all departures and has advised passengers to avoid coming to the airport. The union’s demands mirror those at Hamburg, seeking substantial wage hikes and improved working conditions.
Airport employees in Germany (including ground handling) will go on a 24-hour strike Monday, March 10th, affecting operations at 11 airports:
— aircraftmaintenancengineer (@airmainengineer) March 7, 2025
– Frankfurt
– Munich
– Berlin
– Düsseldorf
– Hamburg
– Cologne/Bonn
– Stuttgart
– Hannover
– Leipzig/Halle
– Dortmund
– Bremen
Text by… pic.twitter.com/sBg9BjXyz6
Impact on major hubs
Munich Airport, Germany’s second-largest hub, has already experienced significant disruptions due to strikes. A recent two-day strike led to approximately 80% of flights being canceled, with further cancellations possible. Passengers planning to travel through Munich are advised to contact their airlines for updates.
These strikes are part of a broader wave of industrial actions across Germany, as workers in various sectors advocate for better pay and conditions amid rising inflation and staff shortages. The transportation sector, in particular, has been heavily affected, with previous strikes causing widespread travel chaos.
Advice to passengers
Travellers planning to fly to or from Germany in the coming days are strongly advised to check the status of their flights and consult their airlines for rebooking options. Given the scale of the strikes and the potential for further disruptions, staying informed and flexible with travel plans is essential.
