Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, EasyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, And Other Airlines Forced To Cancel Hundreds Of Flights And Delay Departures At Berlin-Brandenburg Airport Following Germany’s Strike Chaos

Written By: Srishty Mishra

Srishty Mishra

A passionate storyteller and emerging journalist, I am currently pursuing my Master’s in English at DU while diving deep into the world of journalism. With two years of practical experience, I have cultivated a knack for transforming ideas into engaging narratives that captivate readers. My journey blends academic insight with real-world reporting, allowing me to explore culture, travel, and lifestyle through a creative and informed lens. Committed to delivering fresh, authentic, and impactful content, I strive to make every story not just read, but truly experienced.

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March 18, 2026 12:57 PM |

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Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, and other airlines have been forced to cancel 204 flights and delay 5 at Berlin-Brandenburg Airport on March 18, 2026, due to a mass strike organized by Germany’s Verdi trade union. The 24-hour warning strike, which has completely halted air travel at the German capital’s main airport, was triggered by a dispute over insufficient wage increases proposed by employers amidst rising inflation. With all flights suspended for the day, passengers have been left stranded, while the strike has caused widespread disruptions not only in air travel but also in Germany’s tourism sector.

An unexpected crisis has gripped Germany’s aviation sector on March 18, 2026, as a mass strike by airport staff has forced Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (BER) to come to a complete standstill. With thousands of travelers stranded, 204 flights were canceled and 5 were delayed, leaving airline passengers in a state of uncertainty and disruption. Airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, and many others are feeling the brunt of this action as Germany’s transport network faces its most severe disruption in recent memory.

This massive strike action, organized by the German trade union Verdi, has sent shockwaves through the country’s air travel and broader tourism industry. With no immediate resolution in sight, travelers are now faced with uncertainty regarding their plans, and the impact on Germany’s tourism sector is already being felt. Here’s a look at the complete picture of the cancellations and delays, how the strike is affecting tourism in Germany, and what passengers need to know to navigate this turbulent period.

The Root of the Crisis: Why Germany’s Airports Are at a Standstill

The strike action, initiated by the Verdi trade union, is centered on a critical issue: wages. The union has called for better pay, citing the growing cost of living and inflation. The airline and airport staff unions have taken a strong stance against the proposed wage increases, which only offer a modest raise of 1-1.5% over the next few years, a sum that workers deem insufficient given the current economic climate.

The 24-hour warning strike at Berlin-Brandenburg Airport is a reflection of wider labor unrest in Germany’s public and private sectors. According to Verdi, employers’ refusal to meet their demands for more significant wage adjustments, better training conditions, and improved working terms led to the decision to stage this walkout. The strike comes on the back of failed negotiations, with the next round scheduled for March 25. If no breakthrough occurs by that time, further disruptions across German airports could follow, prolonging the chaos.

The scale of this disruption is immense. The German capital’s main hub, which serves millions of passengers annually, has been forced to halt all flight operations for the day. This unprecedented closure is not only affecting passengers flying out of Berlin but is also creating ripple effects across Europe, as several international flights were directly impacted.

Impact on Airlines: Cancellations and Delays

The strike has led to a staggering number of cancellations and delays. Berlin-Brandenburg Airport reported a total of 204 canceled flights on March 18, 2026, with five others delayed. Major airlines operating out of the airport, including Lufthansa, easyJet, Ryanair, Air France, British Airways, and others, have been hit hard by the walkout.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the airline-specific flight cancellations and delays:

Flight Cancellations and Delays Table

Impacted Routes: Which Flights Were Affected?

Several international and domestic flights were disrupted due to the strike action. The cancellations and delays affected major hubs across Europe, with flights to and from Berlin-Brandenburg Airport bound for cities like London, Paris, Zurich, Munich, and Copenhagen being the most severely impacted.

Here’s a list of the key affected routes:

• London City (LCY / EGLC)
  • Flight: CFE8490 (Departure: Thu 06:55 AM CET)
  • Canceled by: Ryanair
• Charles de Gaulle/Roissy (CDG / LFPG)
  • Flight: AFR1135 (Departure: Thu 06:55 AM CET)
  • Canceled by: Air France
• London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)
  • Flight: BAW993 (Departure: Thu 06:15 AM CET)
  • Canceled by: British Airways
• Manchester (MAN / EGCC)
  • Flight: EZY2202 (Departure: Wed 09:35 PM CET)
  • Canceled by: easyJet
• London Gatwick (LGW / EGKK)
  • Flight: EZY6528 (Departure: Wed 09:25 PM CET)
  • Canceled by: easyJet
• Basle-Mulhouse (EAP / LFSB)
  • Flight: EZY1188 (Departure: Wed 09:20 PM CET)
  • Canceled by: easyJet
• Zurich (Kloten) (ZRH / LSZH)
  • Flight: SWR979 (Departure: Wed 08:40 PM CET)
  • Canceled by: Swiss
• Copenhagen (CPH / EKCH)
  • Flight: SAS1680 (Departure: Wed 08:55 PM CET)
  • Canceled by: SAS
• Vienna Int’l (Schwechat) (VIE / LOWW)
  • Flight: AUA236 (Departure: Wed 07:40 PM CET)
  • Canceled by: Austrian Airlines
• Stockholm-Arlanda (ARN / ESSA)
  • Flight: SZS2680 (Departure: Wed 07:35 PM CET)
  • Canceled by: Scandinavian Airlines Ireland
• Dublin Int’l (DUB / EIDW)
  • Flight: EIN337 (Departure: Wed 07:30 PM CET)
  • Canceled by: easyJet
• Frankfurt Int’l (FRA / EDDF)
  • Flight: DLH199 (Departure: Wed 06:40 PM CET)
  • Canceled by: Lufthansa
• Brussels (BRU / EBBR)
  • Flight: BEL2588 (Departure: Wed 06:35 PM CET)
  • Canceled by: Brussels Airlines
• Munich Int’l (MUC / EDDM)
  • Flight: DLH1949 (Departure: Wed 06:55 PM CET)
  • Canceled by: Lufthansa

The Wider Impact: How the Strike is Affecting Germany’s Tourism Industry

Germany’s tourism industry has taken a significant hit due to this strike. The disruption to air travel has affected not only passengers flying in and out of the country but also those with connecting flights to other destinations. The cancellations and delays add to the already complex nature of travel planning, and travelers who had hoped to explore the cultural, historical, and natural beauty of Germany have been left stranded, unsure of their next steps.

In addition to the direct impact on tourists, the ripple effects are being felt across the local economy. Hotels in Berlin and nearby cities are seeing cancellations from international travelers who would have otherwise visited famous attractions like the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and the Museum Island. Major events, including art festivals and cultural tours, are seeing a dip in attendance, as many visitors are unable to travel due to the sudden disruption in air travel.

While domestic tourism may be less impacted due to the availability of other transportation options, international tourists are feeling the brunt of the strike. Many were not prepared for the scale of disruption, leaving travel agencies, tour operators, and transport services scrambling to find alternative solutions for their clients.

What You Should Do as a Traveler

If you are planning to travel to or from Berlin-Brandenburg Airport during this period, it is essential to stay updated on the situation. Passengers are advised to avoid the airport and to check with their airline or tour operator to confirm any changes to their flight status. Many airlines are offering rebooking options for affected passengers.

Moreover, travelers are encouraged to explore other transportation methods, including trains and buses, to reach their destination if air travel is not an immediate option. Services like Visit Ukraine can assist in finding and booking alternative routes to avoid the ongoing chaos at Germany’s airports.

Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, and other airlines have been forced to cancel 204 flights and delay 5 at Berlin-Brandenburg Airport due to a mass strike by airport staff over wage disputes. The 24-hour strike, organized by the Verdi trade union, has brought the airport to a standstill, severely impacting air travel and tourism in Germany.

As the strike action continues to disrupt the daily flow of travel in and out of Berlin, the aviation sector is bracing itself for more challenges in the coming days. While the immediate future seems uncertain, the strike itself is a reflection of broader issues within Germany’s labor market. For now, passengers can only wait and see whether a resolution is found before the next round of negotiations.