German airport strike set to cause ‘more than 3,400’ flight cancellations

More than 3,400 flights are set to be cancelled on Monday (March 10), with about 510,000 travellers affected, due to a 24-hour strike at major German airports.

Trade union Verdi has called for employees in the public sector and ground-handling staff to walk out as it campaigns for changes including an 8% wage rise or an increase of at least €350 a month.

“Germany’s air traffic will be largely shut down on Monday,” said the association of Germany’s airport operators (ADV), which estimated the number of cancelled flights and affected travellers.

News agency Reuters reported that the ADV called the strike a “horror scenario for affected passengers” that would also impact the economy.

Frankfurt airport said it was very likely there would be no departures on Monday and recommended that people avoid coming to the airport. It added that travellers transferring through the airport should check the flight status on their airline’s website.

Other airports affected include Munich, Stuttgart, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Hanover, Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin and Leipzig-Halle.

Reuters reported that Germany’s air traffic control operator, DFS, said it would not be directly affected by the strike.

In addition to the wage increases, Verdi is calling for higher bonuses and additional time off.

Employers have claimed the demands are unaffordable.

Photo: Frankfurt airport