Disruptions are sweeping across European airports, presenting passengers with added challenges as strikes and severe weather converge. Starting from Sunday evening, strikes announced by the Verdi trade union will effectuate full walkouts at Cologne-Bonn and Düsseldorf International airports, raising concerns about extensive impacts on passenger flights.
Verdi, representing public sector employees, confirmed the walkouts set to commence at Cologne on Sunday evening and at Düsseldorf on Monday morning. The union warned travelers to prepare for deep disruptions. “The union said it expected extensive effects on passenger flights at both airports,” representatives stated. This escalation follows unresolved wage negotiations, with Verdi demanding significant pay increases amid mounting pressures faced by workers.
The wage dispute stems from negotiations for public sector employees at both federal and municipal levels, which fell short during the second round held in Potsdam. Verdi is demanding an 8% salary increase, but at least €350 more per month. “The employers' previous refusal to pay is also hitting employees at NRW airports hard,” said Gabriele Schmidt, Verdi’s regional director. She highlighted the strain on staff due to increased workloads and noted, “Many employees were under serious pressure due to the increasing workload and staff shortages.”
Meanwhile, travel disruptions are compounded by severe weather at Istanbul Airport, where Turkish Airlines has announced multiple flight cancellations as heavy snowfall blanketed the city. “Many flights scheduled for Sunday at Istanbul Airport have been canceled due to heavy snowfall and stormy weather,” Turkish Airlines communicated, emphasizing the measures undertaken for affected travelers. Passengers impacted by these cancellations are granted additional rights under the circumstances.
Snowfall began on Friday night and intensified over the weekend. The weather forecast signals continuous adverse conditions, as the Meteorological Service indicates temperatures fluctuated between -3°C to 3°C. Authorities have advised people to remain indoors if possible, cautioning against the difficulties snow and ice pose on city streets, which may worsen traffic conditions.
Düsseldorf International, the fourth-largest airport in Germany, managed to serve over 19 million passengers last year, becoming increasingly pivotal for various airlines, including Eurowings. Conversely, Cologne-Bonn Airport ranks sixth, supporting over 10 million travelers, as well as acting as significant freight hub. The potential ramifications of the strikes are heightened, reflecting on the strategic importance of both airports.
During such crippling disruptions, the Turkish flag carrier has encouraged passengers to check the status of their flights via their website or through WhatsApp, seeking to mitigate frustrations stemming from the cancellations and consequent schedule changes.
With the strikes expected to commence and adverse weather forecasting likely to continue, travelers must stay informed about operational status at all airports involved. The convergence of labor and weather crises is not merely inconvenient; it presents serious challenges to schedules, with lengthy wait times and potential for secondary disruptions as the circumstances evolve.
Both airport operators and unions must engage proactively to reduce impacts on travelers. The impending negotiations will be closely monitored as Verdi and aviation authorities face mounting demands from the flying public and government officials alike, all of whom feel the weight of both labor disputes and extreme weather.”