24 Apr 2023 | 07:49 AM UTC
Germany: Significant flight disruptions likely at Berlin Brandenburg and Hamburg Airports amid strike April 24 /update 1
Unionized workers at Berlin Brandenburg and Hamburg Airports, Germany, strike April 24; disruptions to flights, airport operations.
Event
The Verdi union has announced a one-day strike of all air security workers at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) April 24 to demand higher wages. The union also announced a short, one-day strike at Hamburg Airport (HAM) April 24. Unionized members of the Airport Handling Services (AHS) at HAM will cease to support passengers at check-ins and ticket inspections. Around 30 out of 160 flights have been canceled in the morning; further disruptions are likely.
The strikes will likely result in significant disruptions to flights and airport operations at BER and HAM through April 24. Further flight cancellations are likely and significant delays can be expected on any operating flights. Disruptions could persist into the following days as the airports deal with any passenger backlog and airlines reposition aircraft and crew.
Context
This action follows related demonstrations led by the Ver.di labor union, in Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne-Bonn, Stuttgart, and Baden airports on April 20 and April 21, which caused significant flight disruptions.
Advice
Confirm flight reservations if booked to fly via BER and HAM April 24-25. Do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Arrive early at the airport to allow additional time for passenger processing. Consider alternative arrangements for critical travel.
