BERLIN — Air travel across Germany is set to face severe disruptions on Monday (March 10) as more than half a million passengers are affected by a 24-hour strike by airport workers demanding better wages. The strike has led to thousands of flight cancellations, bringing operations at major airports to a near standstill.

Frankfurt Airport, the country’s busiest, confirmed that no passenger flights would take off on Monday. Additionally, delays and cancellations may persist into Tuesday. Of the 1,116 scheduled arrivals and departures at Frankfurt, 1,050 had already been canceled, and the number is expected to rise, according to a spokesperson for Fraport, the airport’s operator.

The strike, organized by the Verdi union, has impacted 13 airports across Germany, including major hubs such as Munich, Berlin, and Dusseldorf. At Hamburg Airport, workers began their strike a day earlier, causing the cancellation of nearly 300 flights on Sunday. Verdi is demanding an 8% salary increase or a minimum raise of €350 (S$506) per month, along with higher bonuses and additional leave. However, employers have dismissed these demands, citing financial constraints and calling them unsustainable.

The strike is part of ongoing negotiations between Verdi and airport management over improved pay and working conditions. The union argues that rising inflation and increased workloads justify higher wages for airport employees. Employers, on the other hand, maintain that they are already facing financial difficulties and cannot accommodate such increases.

The walkout is expected to cause widespread disruptions, affecting domestic and international travelers. Airport authorities have advised passengers to check their flight status in advance and make alternative travel arrangements where possible. Negotiations between the union and employers are set to resume later this month, but until then, travel across Germany remains uncertain.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.