German Airport Strike Update: Over 2,300 Friday Flights Cancelled

Over 2,300 flight cancellations impacted hundreds of thousands of passengers on Friday after airports across Germany suspended regular passenger operations because of the planned strike by the German trade union Verdi.

Verdi, the second largest trade union in Germany whose membership includes workers at German airports, announced the 24-hour strike earlier in the week. The union is pushing for a pay boost for workers at seven airports and is currently negotiating.

The strike is having a major impact on flights across Germany as airports shut down operations through the strike.

“No take-offs and landings until 10 p.m. Passengers are well informed and mostly did not come to the airport. Numerous rebookings are to be expected on Saturday, February 18th, and the following days,” Hamburg Airport said in a statement on Friday.  

Lufthansa canceled all of its flights from Frankfurt and Munich on Friday, amounting to more than 1,300 flights total. The airline has already informed affected passengers and is offering some alternative connections and rebooking on the rail. All passengers should check the status of their flight prior to heading to the airport.

In a statement on Friday, Lufthansa apologized to passengers about the strike’s impact on operations.

"We regret the enormous impact of this warning strike which is being carried out at the expense of our passengers. We are not a party to the collective bargaining and have no influence on it – nevertheless, our guests and we are massively affected,” Michael Niggemann, Member of the Executive Board and Chief Officer Human Resources & Infrastructure Lufthansa Group.

“More than 1,300 flight cancellations for Lufthansa Group airlines alone show once again how vulnerable and fragile the air transport system is to strike activity.”