Unprecedented airport strikes in Germany: Major disruptions

Passengers traveling through Germany on March 10, 2025, are facing massive disruptions as a coordinated strike brings operations at 11 major airports to a halt.

Frankfurt Airport, Germany’s busiest hub, is among 11 airports set to be affected by Monday’s strike, with nearly all flights expected to be canceled. The disruption, led by the ver.di union, could impact over 500,000 passengers, as airlines scramble to adjust schedules and reroute flights. Photo: Irene Vlachou, Flickr CC BY 2.0

Led by the ver.di trade union, the strike is expected to result in the cancellation of approximately 3,400 flights, affecting over 500,000 passengers. Major hubs, according to DW, like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin-Brandenburg are among the worst hit, with most flights expected to be grounded.

What’s behind the strike?

The ver.di union represents airport ground staff, demanding an 8% wage increase or a minimum monthly raise of €350, as well as improved bonuses and additional time off. Employers, however, argue that these demands are too costly and have yet to reach an agreement. The standoff has now escalated into one of the most disruptive aviation strikes in recent German history.

Unexpectedly shut down

While the strike was officially scheduled to begin on March 10, Hamburg Airport was unexpectedly shut down a day early. On March 9, all flights were suddenly canceled, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The ver.di union’s move caught both airlines and travelers off guard, intensifying the chaos.

Airports affected and impact

Among the 11 airports affected, the following are seeing the most severe consequences:

• Frankfurt Airport – Germany’s busiest airport will see nearly all flights canceled on March 10.

• Munich Airport – Major disruptions, with both domestic and international flights severely affected.

• Berlin-Brandenburg Airport – Preemptively canceled all flights for March 10 in anticipation of the strike.

The strike is also expected to disrupt operations at Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart, Hanover, Bremen, Leipzig/Halle, and Dresden airports.

Airlines respond to the crisis

Several airlines have already adjusted their schedules in response to the strikes:

• Lufthansa has advised passengers to avoid the affected airports and has rebooked thousands of travelers onto alternate flights.

• Emirates has canceled all Frankfurt-bound flights on March 10 due to the strike’s impact.

• Other major carriers, including Air France-KLM, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines, are scrambling to manage the disruption by rerouting flights or offering refunds.

Economic impact and passenger frustration

This latest wave of strikes is expected to cost millions of euros in lost revenue for airlines, airports, and tourism-related industries. Business travelers and tourists alike have been forced to cancel plans, with many struggling to find alternative transport options.

For travelers caught in the chaos, the advice remains the same:

Check flight status – Stay updated via airline websites and airport announcements. Avoid unnecessary airport trips – Do not head to the airport unless you have confirmation that your flight is operating. Seek alternative transportation – Consider train travel or rescheduling flights for later dates.

As negotiations between ver.di and airport operators continue, there is no immediate end in sight. Unless a breakthrough is reached soon, further strikes could follow, adding to the woes of Germany’s already strained aviation sector.

Facts about ver.di Trade Union

• Full Name: Vereinte Dienstleistungsgewerkschaft (United Services Trade Union)

• Founded: 2001, through the merger of five unions, including ÖTV (public sector) and DAG (white-collar workers).

• Headquarters: Berlin, Germany

• Membership: Over 1.9 million workers across various service sectors, including transport, retail, healthcare, and public administration.

• Industries represented: Aviation, public transport, postal services, media, banking, and more.

• Key activities:

  Advocates for higher wages, better working conditions, and job security.

  Frequently organizes strikes and negotiations in key industries.

  Has played a major role in airport, rail, and public sector strikes in Germany.

• Recent action: Leading the March 2025 airport strikes, demanding an 8% wage increase or a minimum raise of €350 per month for aviation workers.