Hundreds of flights have been cancelled across Germany as airport workers launched a nationwide strike over pay, causing major travel disruptions. The strike, led by the trade union Verdi, began unexpectedly at Hamburg Airport on Sunday before expanding to major airports, including Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin.
Frankfurt Airport, the country’s busiest, has advised passengers against traveling, warning that boarding and transfers would be "almost certainly" affected. Munich Airport also cautioned travelers about a significantly reduced flight schedule. Lufthansa confirmed widespread delays and cancellations across its network.
German media reports suggest that thousands of flights could be cancelled, affecting over 500,000 passengers. Many travelers who had already checked in their luggage are now facing difficulties retrieving their belongings.
Verdi is demanding an 8% pay raise, or at least €350 more per month, along with additional benefits and time off. Employers, however, have rejected the demands as unaffordable. The union has also extended the strike to waste collection services in several cities, including Berlin, Essen, and Kiel, where garbage has gone uncollected for days.
Further strikes are expected this week in government and municipal facilities, with the next round of negotiations scheduled for Friday in Potsdam.
