Massive flight disruptions hit Munich and Hamburg airports as union strike takes off

Germany's major airports, Munich and Hamburg, are experiencing severe disruptions as a 48-hour strike organized by the Ver.di Union began on February 27 and will continue through March 1 morning, authorities reported.

The industrial action is causing significant delays and cancellations across various airport services, including passenger check-in, baggage handling, and IT operations.

According to foreign media reports, Munich Airport, the second-busiest in Germany, is seeing the most impact, with nearly 1,300 out of 1,600 flights scheduled for the two-day period cancelled, per Caliber.Az.

The airport, a key international hub, typically handles hundreds of thousands of passengers during this time, but travellers are being advised to confirm their flight status with airlines ahead of time. Passengers with cancelled flights are urged not to come to the airport.

At Hamburg Airport, approximately 600 flights were originally scheduled for the strike period. So far, more than 50 flights have been cancelled, and the airport has warned passengers of further delays and disruptions. The airport’s website stated that "significant operational impacts" are expected throughout the strike duration.

This walkout is part of a broader labour dispute between the ver.di union, representing public sector workers, and government employers. The union is demanding an 8% wage increase or at least a €350 ($366) per month raise for federal and municipal employees. In addition to the airport strike, other public sector services, including hospitals in Erfurt, waste management facilities in Essen, and various municipal operations in Hamburg, are also experiencing disruptions.

Government negotiators have rejected the union's wage demands, citing economic constraints and budget limitations. A new round of talks is scheduled for March 14–15.

By Tamilla Hasanova