More than 40,000 travelers have faced disruptions due to an unexpected strike that closed Hamburg Airport. The situation may affect over 500,000 people across Germany today as the strike expands.
The strike started with just half an hour’s notice yesterday morning. Passengers were warned to avoid the airport. As a result, terminals saw little activity, with only 10 out of more than 280 flights operating as scheduled.
In a statement on social media, the airport announced that the union ver.di had called for an immediate strike on Sunday, March 9. Because of this, the airport remained closed for the entire day, halting all flights.
An airport spokesperson described the union’s actions as “dishonorable,” stressing that many travelers have nothing to do with the ongoing disputes. People planning to fly are encouraged to reach out to their airlines for updated information.
The situation is expected to worsen today with a planned 24-hour strike at 13 major German airports. This includes cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich, potentially leading to the cancellation of over 3,400 flights, according to the German Airport Association.
They noted that air traffic in Germany will largely come to a standstill on Monday. The strike at Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city, is already ongoing. Security staff involved in the strike are advocating for better pay and working conditions under a new contract.
Union representative Lars Stubbe highlighted the necessity of the strike to create “economic damage” that may compel employers to make concessions. He acknowledged the burden on passengers but emphasized the need for an effective strike to secure a fair negotiation.
