Germany: Unionized staff to strike at multiple airports March 17-18

Event

Unionized aviation staff affiliated with the Ver.di labor union plan to strike at multiple airports in Germany March 17-18 to demand several concessions, including a pay increase. The labor action will impact the following airports:

• Cologne/Bonn Airport (CGN)

• Dusseldorf International Airport (DUS)

• Stuttgart Airport (STR)

• Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB)

Airport officials state that the strike will lead to significant flight disruptions, including processing delays, flight delays, and cancelations. Authorities at STR have canceled all flights scheduled for March 17; the facility will not resume operations until March 18. Officials at CGN, on the other hand, assert that the walkout will likely prompt flight disruptions beginning the night of March 16 and continuing through the evening of March 18 due to shift schedules; similar disruptions are possible at other impacted airports. The work stoppage will not affect medical or emergency flights.

Disruptions could persist after the strike concludes as carriers reposition aircraft and work through passenger backlogs.

Advice

Confirm flight status before setting out for affected airports until at least the evening of March 18. Do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Allow additional time to clear passenger processing and airport security procedures.