Hamburg Airport Shuts Down as Verdi Union Launches Sudden Strike

The unannounced strike disrupted over 280 flights and coincides with broader labor actions planned at 13 German airports on Monday.

All flights at Hamburg Airport were canceled on Sunday after the Verdi union initiated a sudden strike earlier than originally planned.
The strike, intended to pressure employers in an ongoing wage dispute, disrupted 144 arrivals and 139 departures, with only 10 flights operating early in the morning.
Verdi representatives justified the lack of notice, stating it was necessary to maximize the strike's impact and avoid mitigation efforts by the airport.
Hamburg Airport officials criticized the union's timing, highlighting the disruption caused at the start of the city's spring break and urging travelers to check with airlines about Monday operations.
Verdi has also called for coordinated strikes at 13 German airports on Monday, potentially affecting over 510,000 passengers as part of ongoing negotiations with federal and municipal employers.