Travelers across Spain faced disruptions as 141 flights between Spain and Germany were canceled due to a massive strike at 11 major German airports.
The strike, led by the ver.di union, affected flights across key Spanish airports, including Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Bilbao, Tenerife South, and Valencia.
The strike, which began early Monday, is part of an ongoing dispute over higher wages and better working conditions for public sector and ground-handling workers in Germany. In total, more than 3,400 flights were grounded, stranding nearly half a million passengers across Europe.
Which Airports Are Affected?
Germany’s air travel network is experiencing near-total paralysis as workers from major airports—including Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Hanover, Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin-Brandenburg, and Leipzig-Halle—have walked off the job.
In Spain, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport was hit the hardest, with 40 canceled flights. Other airports affected include:
- Palma de Mallorca: 25 flights canceled
- Bilbao: 13 flights canceled
- Tenerife South: 13 flights canceled
- Valencia: 12 flights canceled
Spain’s airport operator, Aena, confirmed that passengers were notified in advance, helping to prevent overcrowding at terminals.
What Are Workers Demanding?
The ver.di union, which represents public sector employees, ground-handling staff, and aviation security workers, has called for:
- An 8% wage increase (minimum €350 per month)
- Three additional days off per year
- Higher bonuses for late and overnight shifts
- Better health and safety protections for aviation security staff
- 30 days of vacation for security employees
Tensions escalated further when Hamburg Airport workers walked off the job without prior warning on Sunday, worsening the situation.
Will the Travel Chaos Continue?
With negotiations ongoing and no immediate resolution in sight, further disruptions in Spain-Germany air travel remain a possibility. Other European airports may also face disruptions if similar strikes spread to other worker groups.
For now, affected travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates, rebooking options, and possible compensation under EU air passenger rights.
