Monday, March 10, 2025
A sudden strike by security staff at Hamburg Airport, Germany, on March 10, 2025, led to the cancellation of more than 270 flights, disrupting the travel plans of over 40,000 passengers.
The walkout, called by the Ver.di trade union, was unexpected and took place with just 30 minutes’ notice, according to Hamburg Airport authorities (ham.airport.de).
The strike precedes a larger-scale protest planned across 13 German airports, set to take place on March 11, 2025, as part of an ongoing wage dispute between airport workers and employers. The Federal Ministry of Transport (BMVI, bmvi.de) has warned travelers of significant flight disruptions across the country.
Extent of the Disruptions at Hamburg Airport
According to Hamburg Airport’s official statement, only 10 of the 280 scheduled flights were able to operate as planned on Sunday morning. Most flights were either canceled or severely delayed, leaving passengers stranded.
- Key disruptions:
- Departures were severely affected, with service desks unstaffed.
- Electronic departure boards displayed cancellations across the schedule.
- Minimal flight operations were maintained for emergency services.
Hamburg Airport spokesperson Katja Bromm criticized the union’s lack of prior notice, stating that the strike unfairly targeted passengers at the start of the holiday season.
Reason Behind the Strike and Union Demands
The Ver.di trade union represents security staff, baggage handlers, and cargo workers at German airports. The union has been negotiating with airport employers for:
- Higher wages
- Better occupational health and safety standards
- Increased annual bonuses (50%)
- More vacation days
- The right to choose personal doctors for mandatory medical exams
Union official Lars Stubbe defended the strike, emphasizing that it needed to cause economic disruption for negotiations to progress.
Larger Strike Planned for March 11 Across Germany
The Federal Aviation Authority (LBA, lba.de) has confirmed that the March 11 strike will affect 13 major airports, including:
- Frankfurt Airport, Germany
- Munich Airport, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Airport, Germany
- Düsseldorf Airport, Germany
- Stuttgart Airport, Germany
Passengers flying in or out of Germany are advised to check their flight status on bmvi.de and contact airlines for rebooking options.
Passenger Reactions and Alternative Travel Options
Many frustrated travelers at Hamburg Airport voiced their disappointment, with some questioning the sudden strike timing.
Travelers affected by flight cancellations should:
- Rebook their flights through airline customer service.
- Monitor real-time flight updates via Hamburg Airport’s official website (ham.airport.de).
- Consider alternative travel routes, such as train services via Deutsche Bahn (bahn.de).
With more strikes expected, travelers are urged to plan accordingly and allow extra time for airport procedures.
Image source: Hamburg Airport
