Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is warning of a “major disruption” to air travel next Monday after officials confirmed the 24-hour suspension.
As Germany’s largest airport — serving 250 destinations with more than 80 airlines — it has the potential to affect flights in Europe and around the world.
Monday’s action is just one part of a national dispute over the pay of employees at airports across Germany. It is set to coincide with the closure of Munich International Airport (MUC) for commercial air travel on March 26 and 27. There will be twice as many strikes on public transport on Monday, because the railway union EVG has also authorized the strike.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Why did the strike happen?
Monday’s planned strike is the latest in many workforce disputes affecting travel. Led by the labor union Ver.di – which represents everyone from baggage handlers to airport security in Germany – representatives have demanded a reasonable wage increase to reflect national inflation. skyrocketing and the cost of living soar.
Because airline and airport bosses were unwilling to accommodate these demands, strategically organized strikes have repeatedly paralyzed air travel across the country. in this year. Usually, strikes affect multiple airports at once.
Earlier this month, hundreds of flights were cut at four German airports – Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB), Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), Dusseldorf International Airport (DUS) and Stuttgart Airport ( STR) – after the employee evaded salary. Similar action occurred at airports in Berlin, Bremen and Hamburg this month.
Union bosses hope a day-long strike at Germany’s largest airport can speed up negotiations.
What are the chances of making my flight in Frankfurt?
Thin, but not impossible. In the previous weeks, many flights were operating at airports hampered by days of strikes. However, these events have resulted in increased security wait times and delays in take-off times. So even if your flight looks fine on paper, stay alert.
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Leading German carrier Lufthansa is mainly based in Frankfurt and will bear the brunt of the chaos. It will likely be canceled and delayed more than any other skin. With international giants, such as American Airlines, operating multiple services to Frankfurt, the upcoming 24-hour action will also make sense across the Atlantic.
Are other German airports affected?
Frankfurt serves as the largest connectivity hub for domestic and international visitors in Germany. So the disruption at Frankfurt will inevitably cause a ripple effect at other airports.
If you plan to fly to or from other airports on your way to Frankfurt, you may want to seek instructions from your airline in case of cancellations close to your travel time.
In addition, further attack action at other airports cannot be ruled out. On March 22 and 23, Hamburg Airport (HAM) was crippled by a similar series of industrial actions. In accordance with a planned domino effect, the Munich strikes will take place this Sunday and Monday before employees in Frankfurt join the queue on their own.
What should I do if I think my plan has been affected?
Don’t panic. If there is a slight problem, your airline should take steps to contact you and let you know that cancellation is expected. Keep tabs on your email, text messages, and app inboxes.
There’s no harm in checking with the company on Twitter or by phone if you think your travel will be affected by the strike. Remember that you will be fully insured for a refund if your chosen airline is unable to rebook you on another flight.
However, travel insurance is a rather gray area in regards to strikes as they are a “foreseeable” disruption. Read on the small print of your insurance policy and check this guide to insurance you can have with your credit card. If you live in the UK check out this in-depth guide.
Should I be wary of anything else?
Absolute. If you’re traveling in Germany next Monday, you can expect a wave of union strikes over pay that will also see buses, trains and trams cancelled.
Deutsche Bahn is just one operator that warned of disruption and canceled all long-distance trains on March 27. Services in the region are also likely to be heavily cut.
This strike will affect 230,000 EVG employees nationwide. Ver.di, with more than 2.5 million employees, will ask many of their followers to leave their stations. As a result, it is feared that Monday’s mass strike action could also spread to earlier days.
If you’re traveling on business across Europe (which can make multiple stops in financial hubs like Frankfurt), be aware that strikes are taking place across the continent. This can greatly affect your trip.
Neighboring France, for example, has seen millions of people take to the streets against the government’s plan to raise the retirement age. This ongoing conflict is correlated with strikes in practically every aspect of public transport – from take a walk air traffic control to train operators that brought their services to a halt.
Be prepared for last minute changes by always checking the facts before you travel.
