Frankfurt, Germany – Travelers were left stranded at Frankfurt Airport today as strikes by airport workers caused hundreds of flight cancellations. The walkouts were called by the German airport workers’ union, ver.di, in response to stalled negotiations over wage increases.

The union said it was demanding a 9.8% pay rise for its members, who include ground staff, security personnel, and fire department employees. The airport operator, Fraport, has offered a 2% pay rise, which ver.di rejected as insufficient.

The strikes affected both domestic and international flights, with airlines including Lufthansa, Ryanair, and EasyJet cancelling many of their services. Over 500 flights were cancelled in total, impacting tens of thousands of passengers.

“I arrived at the airport this morning to find out the flight has been cancelled,” said Sarah Johnson, a British citizen who was due to fly to London. “I’m stuck here with my two children and no idea when we will be able to leave.”

Some passengers were able to rebook on later flights, while others were offered refunds or alternative transport options. However, many faced long waits and frustration as they tried to make alternative arrangements.

The strikes are the latest in a series of industrial actions by German airport workers in recent months. In February, security staff staged a four-day walkout at several airports, causing widespread disruption.

The airport workers’ union has warned that it may call further strikes if Fraport does not improve its pay offer. The company says it remains open to further negotiations.