Important travel news: ‘Extensive’ strikes to hit German airports

People travelling to and from Germany’s six airports on April 27 have been warned of “extensive” cancellations due to strike action by ground staff.

The public sector Verdi workers union has called for strikes from ground handling, passenger checks and airport fire services at Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Dortmund and Hannover airports on April 27.

German airline Lufthansa said there will certainly be cancellations at Frankfurt and Munich but disruptions and delays “must also be expected at all airports involved”. Lufthansa said it will issue a 'special timetable' before 20:00 today (April 26).

All intercontinental services from and to Munich on Wednesday are being cancelled. On German domestic and European routes only a “small number of flights” will operate. The union wants the strikes to put pressure on employers to offer pay rises in the next round of negotiations.

Travellers affected by the cancellation of domestic Lufthansa flights as a result of this strike will be able to use the rail services of Deutsche Bahn. They can exchange their air ticket for a rail ticket on LH.com or at any check-in desk.

“The Wednesday strike called by the Verdi union confirms once again the urgent need for certain ‘rules of play’ on industrial action in the aviation field,” said Bettina Volkens, HR director, Lufthansa.

Source: www.buyingbusinesstravel.com