Berlin Travel Nightmare: 57,000 Passengers Hit by Sudden Airport Shutdown
All passenger flights at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), the German capital’s main aviation hub, were completely halted on Wednesday due to a large-scale strike by airport workers demanding better pay and working conditions.
The strike, organized by the Verdi union, began early in the morning and is set to continue until midnight. As a result, airport terminals remained largely empty, with most travelers staying away after receiving advance notice from airlines about the cancellations.
Airport authorities confirmed that around 445 flights were affected, disrupting travel plans for approximately 57,000 passengers. Airlines worked to rebook यात्रियों (passengers) or provide alternative travel options, minimizing the number of people arriving at the airport despite the shutdown.
The protest involves roughly 2,000 employees, including fire service staff, air traffic controllers, and terminal management workers. Although some services such as security checks and ground handling continued through external providers, normal flight operations could not be maintained.
Airport officials criticized the strike as excessive, especially given the already strained conditions linked to global tensions such as the Iran war. Meanwhile, CEO Aletta von Massenbach expressed optimism that a resolution could be reached during the next round of negotiations scheduled for March 25.
Government officials also stepped in, with Berlin Transport Senator Ute Bonde urging both sides to find common ground quickly. The dispute continues after employers presented an initial offer last week, which Verdi rejected, insisting on a 6% salary increase, a minimum monthly raise of €250, and an additional day off for union members.