In a parallel dispute, Verdi has also announced 24-hour warning strikes at Cologne/Bonn (CGN) and Düsseldorf (DUS) airports from late Sunday evening, 12 April, through Monday night. The stoppage targets baggage loaders, check-in agents, aircraft water-service crews and other ground staff, though security screening is not included. Verdi says flight activity on Monday will be ‘minimal’, while the airports warn of widespread cancellations and advise passengers to contact airlines before heading to the terminals. These NRW-specific stoppages belong to a different bargaining unit than the nationwide airport action but share the same wage claim: an 8 percent rise and improved allowances. Düsseldorf Airport handled 20.3 million passengers in 2025, making it Germany’s fourth-largest gateway and a key hub for Eurowings; Cologne/Bonn is critical for DHL’s overnight cargo network. Any shutdown therefore has knock-on effects for e-commerce supply chains as well as holiday traffic. With the Easter school holidays still under way in several German states, carrier re-protection options are limited. Mobility teams should monitor airline waivers: some carriers allow free rebooking onto trains under Lufthansa Express Rail or ICE add-on agreements. Companies moving time-critical goods via CGN should pre-clear alternate routings through Liège or Brussels. Verdi has not ruled out ‘rolling’ strikes if no progress is made in negotiations. Travel and supply-chain managers are advised to keep contingency plans active at least until the next bargaining round later in April.
Source: Berlin Today
