March 18, 2026 — A Verdi union strike has grounded all passenger flights at Berlin Brandenburg (BER) airport for the day, leaving terminals largely empty and disrupting travel across the capital.
The walkout began early on Wednesday and is set to last until midnight, with roughly 2,000 employees participating. Striking staff include firefighters, air traffic controllers and terminal management personnel. External providers running some services — ground handling and security checks — were not involved, but their presence was insufficient to maintain normal operations.
Airport operators said about 445 flights were canceled, affecting roughly 57,000 passengers. Most airlines informed travelers in advance and rebooked flights or offered alternative travel options, though a few passengers still arrived at the airport unaware of the disruption.
Verdi says its demands include a 6% pay increase, a minimum rise of €250 per month and an extra day off for union members. Employers presented an offer during the second round of talks last week, which Verdi described as inadequate. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for March 25.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport Company criticized the strike as disproportionate, pointing to strained conditions linked to the Iran war as compounding factors. CEO Aletta von Massenbach expressed confidence that an agreement can be reached at the upcoming talks. Berlin transport senator Ute Bonde urged both sides to move quickly toward a resolution.
Separately, Chancellor Friedrich Merz is due to address the Bundestag at 14:00 local time about priorities for an upcoming European Council summit, focusing on EU competitiveness as well as developments in the Middle East and Ukraine. A 60-minute debate will follow his statement; Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder are scheduled to take questions afterward. The parliamentary session will also include a debate on fuel pricing and consideration of an AfD motion on repatriating German gold reserves.