On Sunday, Hamburg Airport canceled nearly 300 flights when ground handlers staged an unexpected walkout. Moreover, this strike occurred just one day before a planned 24-hour disruption across German airports. Consequently, this sudden action triggered operational chaos and significantly impacted airport services.
Initially, workers processed 10 flights in the morning; however, shortly afterward, they walked out. As a result, the airport canceled 144 arrivals and 139 departures, thereby affecting more than 40,000 passengers. Additionally, Verdi—representing ground handling staff and public sector workers—plans to continue the strike on Monday, which will further disrupt passenger security checks.
Furthermore, local travelers and families planning spring holiday trips face severe disruptions. The union demands an 8 percent wage increase, equivalent to at least 350 euros ($380) per month, along with higher bonuses and additional time off. In contrast, employers dismiss these demands as unaffordable. Previously, Verdi escalated its actions by organizing several walkouts last month, which further intensified the situation.
Likewise, a Hamburg Airport spokesperson criticized the multiple rounds of strikes occurring between negotiation talks, noting that such actions are excessive and unfair to tens of thousands of travelers. Meanwhile, a Verdi spokesperson explained that the union opted for last-minute action to maximize its impact. Specifically, the union intends to pressure employers into presenting a reasonable offer during negotiations. Accordingly, the union chose short-term action over the weekend as its only effective strategy.
Finally, additional airports—including Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Hanover, Bremen, Berlin, and Leipzig-Halle—will face similar disruptions on Monday. Consequently, travelers across Germany should anticipate further delays and cancellations.
