Strike Halts All Passenger Flights at Berlin Brandenburg Airport

A strike by Verdi shut down all passenger flights at Berlin Brandenburg Airport, affecting about 57,000 travelers and 445 flights. The walkout, involving around 2,000 workers, stems from a pay dispute, with negotiations expected to continue.

A strike by Verdi on Wednesday brought all passenger flight operations at Berlin Brandenburg Airport to a complete standstill, effectively grounding air travel for the entire day. The industrial action began in the early hours of the morning as scheduled and was set to continue until midnight, disrupting one of Germany’s key transport hubs and leaving airport terminals largely empty.
The strike was organized as part of an ongoing labor dispute between the union and employers over wages and working conditions. According to Verdi negotiator Holger Rössler, the walkout proceeded as planned, with participation from a wide range of essential airport personnel. Around 2,000 employees joined the strike, including staff responsible for fire safety, air traffic coordination, and terminal management. The absence of these critical workers made it impossible to maintain even limited flight operations.
Passengers were largely spared the chaos of arriving at a non-operational airport, as airlines had informed travelers in advance about the strike. A spokesperson for Berlin Brandenburg Airport Company confirmed that most passengers adjusted their plans accordingly, either rebooking their flights or seeking alternative means of travel. Despite these efforts, a small number of passengers still arrived at the airport, seemingly unaware that all departures and arrivals had been suspended.
In total, approximately 445 flights were affected by the strike, disrupting the travel plans of around 57,000 passengers. Even though some services at the airport, such as ground handling and security screening, are provided by external companies that were not directly involved in the strike, the coordinated withdrawal of key operational staff meant that flight activities could not continue under any circumstances.
The Berlin Brandenburg Airport Company criticized the strike as disproportionate, especially given the already strained conditions affecting the aviation sector. The operator pointed to broader geopolitical tensions, including issues linked to the Iran conflict, as factors already putting pressure on flight operations and travel demand. Despite the disruption, the airport’s chief executive, Aletta von Massenbach, expressed optimism that the dispute could be resolved in upcoming negotiations, with the next round of talks scheduled for March 25.
Political leaders have also weighed in on the situation. Ute Bonde, the transport senator for the state of Berlin, urged both the union and employers to find common ground quickly in order to minimize further disruption to travelers and the regional economy. Her call reflects broader concerns about the impact of prolonged industrial action on public infrastructure and economic activity.
The dispute centers on wage demands and employment conditions. During previous negotiations, employers presented an initial offer in the second round of talks, but Verdi rejected it as inadequate. The union is pushing for a 6% pay increase, a minimum monthly raise of €250, and an additional day off for its members. These demands, according to Verdi, are necessary to address rising living costs and to ensure fair compensation for workers in critical public service roles. The outcome of the next round of negotiations will be crucial in determining whether further strikes can be avoided or if disruptions like this could continue in the coming weeks.