Berlin Airport Strike Brings All Passenger Flights to a Halt
A major industrial action at Berlin Brandenburg airport has led to the complete suspension of all scheduled passenger flights on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. The strike, called by the German trade union Ver.di, involves around 2,000 employees and is a direct response to what the union describes as the employers' refusal to present a negotiable wage offer.
Widespread Disruption for Thousands of Travellers
This strike will impact a total of 445 departures and arrivals, affecting approximately 57,000 passengers. The airport operator, Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH (FBB), has notified its partners, including airlines, ground handling services, security firms, and local businesses. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines or tour operators for information on rebooking and alternative travel arrangements.
The striking staff encompass critical roles such as fire department personnel, air traffic controllers, and terminal management employees. Berlin Brandenburg airport, a key aviation hub in Germany that serves over 25 million passengers annually, is experiencing unprecedented operational challenges due to this action.
Context of Recent Labour Unrest in German Aviation
This strike follows recent industrial disputes in Germany's aviation sector. Last week, Lufthansa passengers faced significant delays as pilots engaged in a 48-hour strike over pension issues. The Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) union announced the action at short notice, citing failed collective bargaining negotiations on remuneration and company pension schemes for pilots at Lufthansa CityLine.
Despite the strike, Lufthansa managed to operate more than 50 per cent of its originally planned flight programme on 12 and 13 March, including up to 60 per cent of long-haul connections. However, the current strike at Berlin Brandenburg airport represents a more extensive shutdown, highlighting ongoing tensions in the industry over wages and working conditions.
The situation underscores the broader challenges facing air travel in Germany, with unions leveraging strikes to press for better terms amid rising operational costs and passenger demands.
