Nationwide Strike Disrupts Air Travel in Germany Amid Wage Dispute

Wed Oct 22 2025 17:11:25 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Strike at German airports led by trade union Verdi results in hundreds of flight cancellations, frustrating passengers and disrupting travel plans.

A significant nationwide strike by airport workers in Germany has led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights, affecting over 500,000 passengers. The trade union Verdi is advocating for better wages and working conditions, prompting criticism and concerns over the impact on travelers.

Hundreds of flights have been grounded across Germany as airport workers join a nationwide strike over pay and working conditions, causing widespread disruption for air travelers. The strike, initiated unexpectedly by the trade union Verdi at Hamburg Airport, quickly expanded to major airports nationwide, including Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin.

Passengers have been advised against traveling to airports due to severe operational interruptions. As Germany’s busiest airport, Frankfurt has announced that boarding will be largely impossible and transfers are also affected. Reports indicate that thousands of flights are likely to be canceled throughout the day.

Lufthansa, which operates from Frankfurt as its main hub, confirmed numerous delays and extensive cancellations across its network, while Munich Airport announced a drastically reduced flight schedule. Katja Bromm, a spokeswoman for Hamburg Airport, criticized Verdi’s decision to strike without prior notice during the busy holiday season, deeming it excessive and unfair to travelers not involved in the wage disputes.

Despite recognizing the strike's impact on the public, Verdi defended its actions, insisting that the disruption is vital for pressuring employers to offer better compensation. Frankfurt Airport alone has seen numerous flights canceled, with similar cancellations reported at Munich and across Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, Cologne, and Berlin. Many affected passengers, having already checked in their luggage, are struggling to retrieve their belongings, with Hanover Airport also ground to a halt.

In addition to airport strikes, Verdi has called for actions in waste collection services across several German cities, where garbage has reportedly been left uncollected since last week. The union is demanding an 8% wage increase for airport workers or at least €350 more per month, along with increased bonuses and additional time off. Employers have characterized these demands as unaffordable, leading to an impasse.

Negotiations are set to continue with the next talks scheduled for Friday in Potsdam, as the situation remains fluid with further strikes anticipated in various government-operated facilities.