Holidaymakers and business travellers are facing major disruption as security staff at two of Europe's key aviation hubs have announced coordinated strike action.
Workers at Brussels Zaventem Airport and Berlin's Brandenburg Airport will walk out for 24 hours on Thursday, 24th August, in a dispute over pay and working conditions. The industrial action is expected to cause significant flight cancellations and lengthy delays for passengers.
Widespread Travel Chaos Expected
The strike, organised by Belgian union ACV Puls and their German counterparts, will see security personnel—including those responsible for passenger screening and baggage checks—withdraw their labour. This critical function is essential for airport operations, meaning the impact on flight schedules is expected to be severe.
Airports have urgently advised passengers to check the status of their flights directly with their airlines before travelling to the terminal. Many carriers are likely to pre-emptively cancel services to avoid aircraft and crews being stranded.
Core of the Dispute
The heart of the conflict stems from demands for improved wages to help workers cope with the rising cost of living. Union representatives argue that their members' pay has not kept pace with inflation, placing financial strain on employees.
This strike action follows a similar walkout at London's Gatwick Airport earlier this summer, which also resulted in mass cancellations and highlighted ongoing tensions within the aviation sector across Europe as it struggles to recover post-pandemic.
Passenger Advice and Contingency Plans
With the strike action confirmed, travellers are being urged to:
- Contact their airline for the latest flight information.
- Allow extra time for journeys to the airport, expecting potential delays even for operational flights.
- Consider alternative travel arrangements if possible.
Both airports have stated they are working on contingency plans, but they have warned that their capacity will be drastically reduced, and disruptions are inevitable.
