After confirmation of a 24-hour strike, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) has issued a warning of a "major disruption" to air traffic on Monday.
Since it serves 250 destinations with more than 80 airlines and is Germany's largest airport, it is expected to have an impact on both domestic and international flights.
The nationwide conflict over employee wages at airports throughout Germany is more widespread than the action on Monday.
On March 26 and 27, Munich International Airport (MUC) will be closed to commercial air traffic. As the train union EVG has also approved strikes, there will be two strikes on public transportation on Monday.
Detailed information is provided below.
Why is the strike happening?
The scheduled stalemate on Monday is the most recent in a long line of labor disputes that have an impact on travel. The Ver.di labor union, which represents everyone from luggage handlers to airport security in Germany, has been leading the charge for a just pay increase to match the sharp rise in living expenses and national inflation.
This year, planned walkouts have repeatedly hampered air travel across the nation because airline and airport executives have refused to accept these demands. The walkouts frequently hit many airports simultaneously.
Earlier this month, staff walkouts over wages led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights at four German airports: Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB), Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), Dusseldorf International Airport (DUS), and Stuttgart Airport (STR). This month, similar events took place in airports in Berlin, Bremen, and Hamburg.
Union leaders are hoping that a one-day strike at the busiest airport in Germany will quicken talks.
What are my chances of making my flight out of Frankfurt?
Slim but not impossible. Many flights have been operating in recent weeks at airports that saw strike days. But these incidents have increased security lines and pushed back takeoff times. Hence, even when your flight appears to be on track, use caution.
With its primary base in Frankfurt, Germany's flag carrier Lufthansa would be the one to suffer the most from the disruption. More cancellations and delays are likely to occur for it than for any other organization.
Due to the fact that global behemoths like American Airlines operate multiple trips to Frankfurt, the upcoming 24-hour activity will also have an impact on the other side of the Atlantic.
Are other German airports affected?
Germany's primary connecting city for both domestic and foreign travelers is Frankfurt. Thus, other airports will undoubtedly experience repercussions from the inconvenience at Frankfurt.
In case of cancellations closer to the time of your flight, your airline may be able to advise you whether you have flights to or from alternative airports en route to Frankfurt.
Additionally, don't rule out other airport strikes. Similar industrial action crippled Hamburg Airport (HAM) on March 22 and 23. This Sunday and Monday, there will be walkouts in Munich, which are expected to be followed by employees in Frankfurt joining the picket line.
What should I do if I think my plans may be affected?
Keep calm. If there is even the slightest indication of trouble, your airline should already be taking steps to get in touch with you and inform you that cancellations are anticipated. Keep track of your email, text, and app usage.
If you believe a strike would impair your travel plans, there is no harm in contacting the company via Twitter or phone. If your preferred airline is unable to rebook you on another flight, keep in mind that you should be completely covered for a refund.
Yet, because strikes are a very "foreseeable" disturbance, there is some uncertainty surrounding travel insurance when it comes to strikes.
Study the fine print of your insurance policy and have a look at our guide to any insurance that comes with your credit card. Check out this comprehensive information if you're based in the United Kingdom.
Should I be wary of anything else?
Absolutely. Next Monday, if you're traveling in Germany, be prepared for a wave of union strikes over salary to cause cancellations on buses, trains, and trams as well.
One operator, Deutsche Bahn, has already issued a disruption alert and cancelled all of its long-distance trains for March 27. Also, there will probably be significant cuts to regional services.
A total of 230,000 EVG employees across the country would be impacted by this walkout. Ver.di, which employs over 2.5 million people, will request that many of its users leave their positions. As a result, there is concern that Monday's widespread strike action may extend into the days before.
Be warned that strikes are taking place all throughout Europe if you're traveling there for business (perhaps with several stops in financial centers like Frankfurt). Your trip plans may be significantly impacted by this.
For instance, the government's intentions to raise the retirement age have prompted millions of people in the neighboring country of France to protest in the streets. This protracted conflict has coincided with strikes in almost every area of public transportation, from air traffic controller walkouts to train operators bringing their services to a complete stop.
Always assess the situation on the ground before you depart to be ready for last-minute adjustments.
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