Passengers have been warned to expect cancellations and delays at eight German airports, including the main hub of Frankfurt, on Tuesday (22 March), due to a strike by security staff.
The Verdi union, which represents airport security staff, has called for the industrial action at Frankfurt, Berlin, Bremen, Hamburg, Hanover, Stuttgart, Dusseldorf and Cologne/Bonn airports in a long-running dispute over pay.
Fraport, which operates Frankfurt airport, said the industrial action would cause “major disruptions and flight cancellations throughout the day”, with the security checkpoints outside the transit area to remain closed all day.
“Originating passengers departing from Frankfurt will not be able to pass through the legally required security checks and get to their flights,” said Fraport in a statement. “We therefore strongly advise all originating passengers from Frankfurt to avoid coming to the airport.
“We expect that transfer processes for connecting passengers in the transit area will still largely be possible. Nevertheless, transfer passengers should expect disruptions and delays due to the strike.”
Lufthansa Group said the strike would cause “considerable restrictions” to its flight schedule on Tuesday, particularly with no local passengers being able to depart from Frankfurt.
“Please check the status of your flight before you travel. If your flight is cancelled, we kindly ask you to refrain from travelling to the airport,” advised the airline group.
Verdi is negotiating nationwide for around 25,000 airport employees with Germany’s Federal Association of Aviation Security Companies (BDLS).
Union negotiator Wolfgang Pieper said: “When it came to wage increases, the employers’ offers fell well short of what the employees demanded.”