Lois Larson
On March 10, 2025, a 24-hour strike by workers at 13 German airports, including Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg, caused the cancellation of most flights. The walkout, which started at midnight, involved public-sector employees, ground staff, and security staff. The strike was called by the Ver.di union over two separate pay disputes: negotiations on a new pay contract for airport security workers, and a wider dispute over pay for federal and municipal government employees. The German airports' association, ADV, estimated that more than 3,500 flights would be canceled, affecting about 560,000 passengers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, 10 March 2025 |
| Duration | 24 hours |
| Number of Airports | 11 or 13 |
| Airports | Berlin-Brandenburg, Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Hanover, Bremen, Hamburg, Leipzig/Halle |
| Cause | Wage dispute |
| Affected Parties | Public-sector employees, ground staff, security staff |
| Cancelled Flights | >3,400 |
| Affected Passengers | >500,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Frankfurt Airport strike causes mass cancellations
On Monday, 10 March 2025, Frankfurt Airport saw 1,054 of its 1,116 scheduled takeoffs and landings cancelled due to a 24-hour strike by public-sector employees, ground staff, and security workers. The strike, organised by the Ver.di union, targeted 13 German airports, including Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, and other major destinations.
The industrial action relates to two separate pay disputes: negotiations on a new pay and conditions contract for airport security workers, and a wider dispute over pay for employees of federal and municipal governments. Ver.di, which speaks for about 25,000 security personnel, is demanding an increase of €2.8 ($3) per hour, higher bonuses, and increased rates for overtime payments.
The strike caused mass cancellations and disruptions across Germany's biggest airports, affecting both domestic and international passengers. Frankfurt Airport, the country's busiest, warned passengers beforehand of expected big problems and flight cancellations, urging them not to come to the airport because security checkpoints were closed.
The German airports' association, ADV, estimated that more than 3,500 flights would be canceled and about 560,000 passengers affected by the 24-hour walkout. Passengers were left stranded without alternative flight options, and those needing to travel urgently sought alternative flights from nearby European hubs, causing demand for these routes to surge. Airlines are offering rebooking and refunds, but availability is limited.
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Berlin Airport strike halts all flights
Berlin Airport has cancelled all flights as a result of a strike that has impacted 13 German airports. The strike, which took place on Monday, March 10, 2025, was organised by airport workers protesting over pay and conditions. All regular departures and arrivals at Berlin Airport were cancelled, affecting more than 500,000 travellers and causing major disruptions. The strike also impacted other major airports in Germany, including Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf.
The 24-hour walkout involved public-sector employees, ground staff, and security staff at multiple airports. At Frankfurt Airport, 1,054 of 1,116 scheduled flights were cancelled, and Hamburg Airport saw all departures cancelled. The strike was called by the labour union Verdi, which demanded better working conditions, higher wages, and additional days off for employees.
Berlin Airport warned travellers of the cancellations ahead of time, with the Ver.di union announcing the strike on Friday, March 7. The union represents airport ground staff and warned of the impact on 11 airports across Germany. The strike targeted airports servicing Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt/Main, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Hanover, Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin-Brandenburg, and Leipzig-Halle.
The German airports' association, ADV, estimated that more than 3,500 flights would be cancelled, affecting about 560,000 passengers. The strike relates to two separate pay disputes: negotiations on a new pay and conditions contract for airport security workers and a wider dispute over pay for employees of federal and municipal governments. The action caused significant disruptions and is expected to have a notable economic impact on businesses beyond the aviation industry.
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Munich Airport walkout
On Monday, March 10, 2025, Munich Airport advised travellers to expect a "greatly reduced flight schedule" due to a 24-hour walkout by public-sector employees, ground staff, and security staff. This strike was part of a wider dispute involving 13 German airports, including Frankfurt, Berlin, and Hamburg, which caused the cancellation of most flights and affected about 560,000 passengers. Munich Airport had previously experienced walkouts related to wage negotiations, specifically regarding pay for airport security workers and employees of federal and municipal governments.
The strike at Munich Airport was organised by the Ver.di service workers' union, which targeted airports across Germany. The union announced the strike on Friday, March 6, and it officially started at midnight on Sunday, March 8. This ""warning strike"" is a common tactic in German wage negotiations, and it caused significant disruptions at Munich Airport.
At Munich Airport, travellers faced cancellations and delays, with the airport advising passengers to expect a reduced flight schedule. The specific areas affected by the strike at Munich Airport included aircraft handling and passenger security checks. As a result, the airport warned that departures would not be possible, while arrivals could still occur but with significant disruptions and cancellations.
The Ver.di union represented the workers at Munich Airport and other airports across Germany. The union's demands included improved pay and conditions for airport security workers and employees of federal and municipal governments. The wage dispute at Munich Airport and other airports in Germany reflected a broader issue in the aviation industry regarding compensation and working conditions for essential staff.
The Munich Airport walkout lasted for 24 hours, ending at midnight on Monday, March 9. By Tuesday, March 10, the airport expected to resume regular and scheduled operations. However, the impact of the strike extended beyond the immediate disruptions, affecting travel plans and causing a backlog in flight operations. Munich Airport worked to recover from the strike's impact and minimise further delays.
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Dusseldorf Airport workers protest
On Monday, March 10, 2025, airport workers at Dusseldorf Airport in Germany protested during a strike of the union ver.di. This strike was part of a larger, one-day, nationwide walkout involving 13 German airports, including Frankfurt and Munich hubs, causing the cancellation of most flights. The strike, involving public-sector employees, ground staff, and security staff, was a "warning strike"—a common tactic in German wage negotiations. This particular strike related to two separate pay disputes: negotiations on a new pay and conditions contract for airport security workers, and a dispute over pay for employees of federal and municipal governments.
In Dusseldorf, travellers watched empty check-in counters as protests took place. Most flights were cancelled, with only 89 of the planned 330 flights expected to take place as scheduled. Dusseldorf Airport has also been the site of climate protests, with climate activists from the Last Generation group blocking runways by sticking themselves to the tarmac. This protest resulted in flight delays and disruptions, with politicians and police officers calling for tighter security at the airport.
The ver.di union has been at the forefront of the airport strikes, with workers demanding better wages and an end to overload. The union represents employees in aviation security and other airport services. The warning strike tactic is used to pressure employers and the government during wage negotiations, causing significant disruption to travel across Germany.
The impact of the Dusseldorf Airport worker protest, as part of the broader strike action, was significant. With most flights cancelled and travellers stranded, the economic and logistical consequences were felt across the aviation industry. The protest highlighted the workers' dissatisfaction with their wages and working conditions, particularly regarding security staff and public-sector employees.
Dusseldorf Airport worker protests have also taken place in the context of climate activism. The Last Generation group's runway occupation brought attention to their demands for a government plan to address the climate crisis. This protest, while causing disruption, also sparked discussions about airport security and the appropriate measures needed to prevent unauthorised access.
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Hamburg Airport: no departures
On March 10, 2025, a 24-hour strike by workers at 13 German airports, including Frankfurt and Munich, caused the cancellation of most flights. The strike, organised by the Ver.di service workers union, targeted airports in Bremen, Hannover, Duesseldorf, Dortmund, Leipzig/Halle, Stuttgart, Cologne/Bonn, and Hamburg.
Hamburg Airport said that no departures would be possible, with strikes affecting several areas, including aircraft handling and passenger security checks. Arrivals may still be possible, but significant disruptions and cancellations are expected. The airport advised passengers with Monday departure plans not to come to the airport and to contact their airline.
The warning strike, a common tactic in German wage negotiations, relates to two separate pay disputes: negotiations on a new pay and conditions contract for airport security workers, and a wider dispute over pay for employees of federal and municipal governments. The latter has already led to walkouts at Cologne/Bonn, Duesseldorf, Hamburg, and Munich airports.
The German airports' association, ADV, estimated that more than 3,500 flights in total would be canceled and about 560,000 passengers affected by the 24-hour walkout.
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Frequently asked questions
On 10 March 2025, a 24-hour strike action took place at 11 German airports, including Berlin-Brandenburg, Frankfurt, Munich, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Hanover, Bremen, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Leipzig-Halle.
The strikes were called by the Ver.di service workers union over two separate pay disputes: negotiations on a new pay and conditions contract for airport security workers, and a wider dispute over pay for employees of federal and municipal governments.
The strikes caused the cancellation of most flights at the affected airports. At Frankfurt Airport, 1,054 out of 1,116 scheduled takeoffs and landings were cancelled. Berlin Airport cancelled all regular departures and arrivals, and Hamburg Airport cancelled all departures.
