BRITS heading to Germany are facing chaos as airport workers stage a 24-hour walkout in a dispute over pay.
Workers at 13 German airports, including the likes of Berlin and Munich, are staging a one-day strike.
The strike action, which started at midnight, will affect flights today (Monday, March 10).
Flights between Germany and the UK will be affected, with more than 20 flights cancelled from London Heathrow.
Services to Germany from other UK airports were also grounded, with more than five flights cancelled from London City Airport.
Over 1,000 flights to and from Frankfurt Airport have been cancelled, according to German news agency dpa.
All of Berlin Airport’s regular departures and arrivals have been cancelled, while Hamburg Airport previously said no departures would be possible.
Meanwhile, flights to and from Munich Airport are also greatly reduced, with no regular passenger service operating from Cologne/Bonn Airport.
Other German airports impacted by the strike action include Bremen, Hannover, Dusseldorf, Dortmund, Leipzig/Halle, Stuttgart, Weeze and Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden.
More than 3,500 flights have been cancelled because of the walkout, with around 560,000 passengers affected.
The services have been cancelled because of a 24-hour walkout being staged by airport workers, including public sector employees as well as ground and security staff.
Workers have taken to the picket line in a dispute over two separate pay disputes.
These include negotiations on a new pay and conditions contract for airport security workers, and a wider dispute over pay for employees of federal and municipal governments.
Pay talks for the latter are set to resume on Friday, while the next round of talks for airport security workers is expected to start on March 26.
The industrial action has been led by the trade union Verdi, which represents public sector and transport workers,
A spokesperson for Verdi told German media the strike would affect many but that the disruption was necessary to get a better offer from employers.
Elsewhere in Europe, strike action will impact public transport services in Italy later this month.
Meanwhile, Brits flying from Turkey can finally apply for compensation if their flight is delayed.
The new rules apply to Turkish-based airlines like Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines and Sun Express.
You can also get hundreds of pounds back if you miss your flight – even if it’s your own fault.
We’ve explained how, here.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Here are four reasons you won’t get any compensation when your flight is cancelled.
And this airline worker showed how to avoid cancellation problems.
