A recent alert from the Verdi union indicates that aviation security personnel at Berlin’s airports are preparing to strike on Monday, April 24. Reported by DEA News, the move signals a major disruption to the early operations at Berlin’s main air hubs. The action is planned to start shortly after 3:30 in the morning, following the national time standard, and is expected to continue until midnight. Travelers should plan for longer lines, possible delays, and an increased likelihood of flight cancellations as security teams withdraw from their posts for the duration of the protest. This kind of labor action underscores how essential security staffing is to keeping air travel functioning, and it highlights the potential ripple effects across schedules and passenger experiences even during off-peak hours.
The union has extended the protest to several other major airports, amplifying the potential impact across Germany’s aviation network. Strikes by security staff are scheduled for Düsseldorf, Hamburg, and Cologne Bonn on April 20 and 21, with demonstrations also planned in Stuttgart and Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden on April 21 and 22. The coordinated actions are aimed at pressing employers in wage negotiations and protecting the working conditions of security personnel, whose roles are critical to maintaining efficient and safe airport operations while handling high passenger volumes. In practice, these actions can affect screening throughput, baggage handling, and the overall flow of daily departures and arrivals, prompting carriers and authorities to adjust staffing and contingency plans to preserve safety and reliability across hubs. DEA News provides ongoing coverage to keep travelers and industry watchers informed about the evolving situation and any changes to planned schedules.
Earlier in March, warnings of strikes were reported at Berlin, Hamburg, and Hannover airports. During those events, many flights were canceled or disrupted due to reduced screening capacity and temporary staffing gaps. The core issues centered on compensation and contract terms for aviation security workers, reflecting the broader tension between wage agreements and maintaining uninterrupted security services. After negotiations reached an impasse, authorities and airline operators prepared for possible continued volatility in schedules during the upcoming strike windows, with contingency measures and adjustments in place to minimize disruption while prioritizing passenger safety. DEA News notes that the outcomes of these negotiations will likely influence staffing decisions, operational readiness, and the pace of future agreements across the sector, as both sides weigh the trade-offs involved in safeguarding flight operations and fair working conditions. [DEA News]