The action, which affects both public sector and ground handling employees, is expected to bring much of the country’s air traffic to a standstill.
According to the German Airports Association (ADV), approximately 510,000 passengers will be impacted, with over 3,400 flights cancelled. The group described the strike as a severe escalation following multiple walkouts in February.
“Germany’s air traffic will be largely shut down on Monday,” ADV said in a statement, calling the situation a “horror scenario” for affected travellers and warning of wider economic consequences.
Frankfurt Airport, the country’s largest aviation hub, announced that departures would likely be halted for the duration of the strike and advised passengers not to come to the airport. Other affected airports include Munich, Stuttgart, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Hanover, Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin, and Leipzig-Halle. However, Germany’s air traffic control operator, DFS, confirmed that its operations would not be directly impacted.
Verdi is demanding an 8% wage increase or a minimum raise of €350 per month, alongside improved bonuses and additional leave. The union stated that the strike was necessary after the latest round of negotiations with employers failed to yield a satisfactory agreement.
The strike is expected to disrupt travel plans for attendees of embedded world 2025, taking place in Nuremberg from 11-13th March. With international exhibitors and visitors relying on flights into Germany, delays and cancellations could complicate attendance, particularly for those flying into Frankfurt or Munich before continuing their journey by train. Nuremberg airport is not currently affected.
