Strikes by security workers and ground services have disrupted operations at two major German international airports. On April 24, passengers faced delays and severe inconveniences as numerous flights were canceled.

The disruptions are the latest from strikes witnessed across the country in the transport sector. The strikes occurred at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and Hamburg Airport (HAM), where departures and arrivals were heavily disrupted.

It was organized by the Verdi Union, Germany's second-largest union. Security employees began to walk out as early as 03:30 local time, and the strike is expected to continue until midnight.

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Disruptions at the Berlin Airport

Berlin Brandenburg Airport is the single commercial airport serving Berlin, handling thousands of passengers daily. The airport has canceled all departing flights, leaving passengers stranded. Inbound flights will still proceed, although at the airline operator's discretion.

Flight cancellation board
Photo: NicoElNino | Shutterstock

As security employees prepared for the walkout on Sunday, about 160 flights were delayed, while only three were canceled. On Monday, more than 200 flights scheduled to take off were canceled, while about 6% of those landing faced delays. The airport announced on its website;

"Arriving flights may also be affected by cancelations and changes to the flight schedule due to the warning strike. Passengers affected by the strike are asked to contact their airline or travel agent for information on rebooking and alternative travel options."

Berlin Airport has over 70 airlines operating flights to more than 140 destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. British Airways operates daily flights between Berlin and London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Flight BA983, an Airbus A320 scheduled to depart at 12:35, was canceled, but may resume on Tuesday after the day-long strike.

Reasons for the strike

The strikes in Berlin and Hamburg are similar to those witnessed in Düsseldorf and Cologne last week, which resulted in the cancelation of nearly 700 flights. The Verdi union is demanding pay increases for its members for overtime and weekend and public holiday shifts.

Frankfurt Airport arrivals and departures hall terminal interior
Photo: Fraport AG

Negotiations held earlier this month between the union and the Federal Association of Aviation Security Companies (BDLS) to push for a wage hike did not produce any positive results. This week, a new round of negotiations is expected, and another breakdown could result in more strikes. Wolfgang Peiper of the Verdi Union said;

"We once again urge the association of flight safety employers BDLS to present a negotiable offer on April 27 and 28 and not to continue playing for time, otherwise there is a threat of further strikes in air transport in May and at Pentecost."

At Hamburg Airport, the Verdi Union called for a warning strike on short notice, which led to numerous flight disruptions. Employees from the private Aviation Handling Services (AHS), who handle check-in, boarding, and lost and found items for various airlines, participated in the walkout.

It services airlines, including Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines. The employees were expected to handle more than 80 departures on Monday. By midday, more than 30 scheduled flights had been canceled due to the strike.

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Source: DW