UAE-Germany flights delayed as strike causes delays and cancellations
On Thursday, Etihad and Emirates airlines reported disruptions to their Germany-bound flights due to a strike by transport workers in the country.
Emirates, based in Dubai, mentioned that its Dubai to Hamburg flight scheduled for February 1 was canceled, with the return flight from Hamburg to Dubai delayed until February 2.
Additionally, flights EK043 and EK044 from Dubai to Frankfurt were canceled due to the ongoing industrial action in the German aviation sector. Flights EK046 and EK048 from Frankfurt to Dubai were also delayed and rescheduled to depart on February 2 at 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., respectively. The EK058 flight from Düsseldorf to Dubai was similarly delayed, with the new departure time set for February 2 at 5:00 p.m. local time.
Emirates expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and advised affected customers to contact their travel agents for alternative arrangements. Passengers who booked directly with Emirates were encouraged to contact their local office for rebooking options.
Etihad Airways, in response to the strike, stated that flights to and from Munich, Düsseldorf, and EY1 Abu Dhabi to Frankfurt on February 1, 2024, would operate as scheduled. Passengers traveling from Munich and Düsseldorf to Abu Dhabi were advised to use online check-in and arrive early at the airport on February 1.
However, due to the industrial action by security staff at German airports, Etihad Airways flight EY2 from Frankfurt to Abu Dhabi on February 1 was delayed. Etihad apologized for the inconvenience and assured passengers booked on the delayed flight that they would be assisted with their travel arrangements.
German transport workers went on strike to demand pay raises from the government, which led to the cancellation of nearly 1,100 flights at the country's main airports. The German airport organization ADV predicted that some 200,000 passengers would be impacted by the aircraft cancellations and delays, while Fraport, the operator of Frankfurt Airport, warned travelers not to visit the airport because of the closed security checks.
