Austrian Airlines cancel more than 100 flights due to strikes

Friday, March 31, 2023

Austrian Airlines were forced to cancel more than 100 flights on Tuesday due to employees strike demanding raises amid inflation.

According to data from an agency, flights of 36 Austrian Airlines, representing 12 per cent of the daily schedule, were cancelled, and another three were expected to be delayed.

In addition, another agency points out that the strike actions can lead to more than 100 flights being cancelled.

The agency also points out that the union have rejected a 12.3 per cent wage raise proposed due to reports that this raise doesn’t apply to all employees equally.

Austrian Airlines have warned passengers regarding the disruption, also advising them to check their flight status prior to coming to the airport.

Due to a meeting of the works council board for flying staff, there will, unfortunately, be adjustments to our flight schedule on the morning of March 28th, 2023.

Passengers who are affected by adjustments and who provided their mobile number or email address when booking will be proactively informed about flight adjustments and re-bookings, Austrian Airlines explained.

On the other hand, in a statement of the Austrian Airlines for Simple Flying, the authority revealed that the company offered an average increase of 12.3 per cent, while flight attendants in the lower wage groups can receive up to a 23 per cent increase.

Similar to Austria, the situation of workers across airlines in France, Germany and the UK is in a questionable state, with thousands of workers in the travel industry demanding better work conditions.

Munich Airport cancelled all regular flights scheduled for Sunday and Monday, with more disruptions and delays being warned by the authority.

In addition, operations at Frankfurt Airport were disrupted, and passengers were advised to refrain from travelling to the airport.

Stuttgart and Bremen airports have also cancelled flights, while Dusseldorf Airport warned passengers of major disruptions and advised them to carry as little hand baggage as possible.

While Frenchmen are protesting for the pension age that was increased from 62 to 64, German transport workers, specifically, are on strike demanding better working conditions and higher salaries, while inflation in the country has reached 8.7 per cent.

Nearly 2.5 million public workers in Germany are asking for a 10.5 per cent raise, while during the first round of negotiations, it is expected that employees are offered a five per cent increase introduced in stages and several one-time payments of €2,500.

Austria’s inflation rates are expected to reach 6.9 per cent in 2023, about four per cent in 2024 and 3.1 per cent in 2025, as the Austrian National Bank (OeNB) foresees.

« Back to Page

• Lufthansa, Eurowings, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines affirm their commitment to Europe

• Austrian Airlines’ strike disruption brings Easter holiday travel chaos

• Austrian Airlines cancels 400 flights

• Austrian Airlines earns EMAS quality label for responsible aviation

• Austrian Airlines Returns to Profit with €127 Million EBIT in 2023, Passenger Count Climbs to 13.9 Million