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BER Airport Shuts Down Passenger Operations Due to Ver.di Warnstreik
On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) completely shut down its passenger flight operations due to a full-day warning strike (Warnstreik) called by the trade union Ver.di. The strike led to the cancellation of approximately 445 departures and landings, impacting around 57,000 passengers. Ver.di called on employees from various departments such as airport fire services, workshops, and administration to join the industrial action, effectively halting all flight activities at the capital’s airport for the entire day [Source 1][Source 2].
The strike action comes amid ongoing collective bargaining negotiations between Ver.di and the airport operator, Flughafen Berlin-Brandenburg GmbH (FBB). The union demands higher wages for about 2,000 employees, criticizing the employer’s offer of staged pay increases valid until the end of 2028 as insufficient. This labor disruption follows recent strikes by Lufthansa pilots, which also affected BER’s operations [Source 1].
What Expats and Travelers Need to Know About the BER Strike
For expats, international students, and foreign workers in Germany relying on BER for travel, the shutdown means significant travel delays and cancellations on Wednesday. Travelers with flights scheduled at BER are strongly advised to contact their respective airlines for updated flight status, possible rebookings, and alternative travel options. Since the strike started at 5 a.m. and lasted until midnight, passengers needed to seek timely information to adjust travel plans accordingly [Source 1][Source 8].
Passengers affected by the strike have certain rights, including the possibility of refunds, rebooking on later flights, and compensation under EU regulations. It is important for international travelers to be aware of these rights and take proactive steps. Those staying in Berlin or Brandenburg should consider accommodations or alternative routes if stranded. The closure also impacts airport services, administrative offices, and ground support, which might affect visa or residency-related appointments scheduled at the airport [Source 4].
In summary, the BER warning strike presents a major disruption at Germany’s key hub. While the industrial dispute centers on employee wages and conditions, the immediate practical consequence for foreigners in Germany is a day of widespread cancellations and the need for flexible travel arrangements [Source 1][Source 5].
