Air travel across Germany came to a standstill on Monday as workers at 11 major airports launched a 24-hour strike, demanding higher wages. The strike, led by the Verdi trade union, includes public service employees, ground staff, and aviation security personnel, affecting thousands of travelers.
According to the German Press Agency (dpa), the pay dispute has resulted in the cancellation of more than 3,400 flights, leaving an estimated 510,000 passengers stranded. The strikes began just after midnight and are expected to cause widespread disruptions throughout the day.
The strike is part of two separate wage disputes—one involving public sector employees and another concerning aviation security staff. The latter includes workers in passenger screening, cargo inspection, and security services. In addition to airport workers, other public sector employees in facilities operated by the federal government and local authorities are also planning further strikes this week.
The German airport association (ADV) has warned that the industrial action will severely impact air transport across the country, as airports handle approximately 6,000 daily flights, with another 3,000 passing through German airspace.
The strike comes ahead of the third round of pay negotiations, set to take place on Friday in Potsdam, near Berlin. Verdi representatives have pushed for higher wages to reflect rising living costs and increased workloads. The union argues that aviation workers have faced stagnant wages and a growing burden due to staff shortages.
German air travelers are being advised to check with airlines for updates on cancellations and delays, with major carriers already warning of significant disruptions. Passengers have been urged to make alternative travel arrangements as negotiations continue.
While the strike is causing major inconvenience, union leaders have defended the move, emphasizing that stronger action is necessary to secure better wages and working conditions for aviation employees. Talks on Friday will be crucial in determining whether further strikes will be necessary.
