A Verdi union strike on Wednesday brought all passenger flights at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to a standstill for the entire day. The walkout began early in the morning and, according to Verdi negotiator Holger Rössler, was scheduled to run until midnight. Terminals were largely empty after airlines warned customers in advance, rebooked affected travelers or offered alternative arrangements, the airport operator said.
The operator reported roughly 445 flights affected, impacting about 57,000 passengers, although a small number of people still arrived at the airport unaware of the action. Around 2,000 employees joined the strike, including personnel from fire services, air traffic control and terminal management. Some ground handling and security tasks are performed by external providers who did not take part, but their presence was not enough to sustain normal flight operations.
Verdi is demanding a pay rise of 6% or at least €250 per month, plus an additional day off for members. Employers presented an initial offer in the second round of negotiations last week that the union described as insufficient.
The airport operator called the strike disproportionate and noted already strained conditions linked to the Iran war as a complicating factor. BER CEO Aletta von Massenbach expressed confidence that an agreement could be reached at the next round of talks scheduled for March 25. Berlin Transport Senator Ute Bonde urged both sides to narrow their differences and resolve the dispute quickly.