Hundreds stranded in Germany due to airport strikes
Strikes in Germany have meant that Ragnar Aðalsteinn Guðjónsson and his son Huginn will not be able to return home until Thursday. The airlines say the strike will affect the flight schedules of eight hundred passengers. Composite image
Around 800 Icelandic airline passengers are unable to depart from Germany today as strikes by government employees disrupt operations at several major airports. The walkouts have forced the cancellation of flights to and from Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich, affecting Icelanders with scheduled travel plans.
Father and son stuck until Thursday
Among those affected are father and son, Ragnar Aðalsteinn Guðjónsson and Huginn Bjarki Ragnarsson, who were supposed to return home from Berlin today. Due to the strike, they won’t be able to fly until Thursday.
"You’re lucky when you're well-liked at work, so this worked out," Guðjónsson said with a smile in an interview with mbl.is. The duo had traveled to Berlin to celebrate Huginn’s 16th birthday and plan to make the most of their extended stay.
Their airline, Play, has arranged hotel accommodation and three daily meals worth 15 euros each.
"Play told me they’d book us on the earliest available flight. It turned out to be the only option—Thursday," Guðjónsson explained.
Airlines scramble to rebook passengers
Guðni Sigurðsson, a public relations officer at Icelandair, said the strike has affected 600 of the airline’s passengers.
"Flights to and from Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt had to be canceled. Passengers have been sent new itineraries and will reach their destinations either the same day or the next day," he stated.
Nadine Guðrún Yaghi, a spokesperson for Play, said the airline was informed of the strike on Friday and quickly notified affected travelers.
"Nearly 200 passengers were scheduled to fly from Berlin today. About 40 still haven’t confirmed their rebooking options, and they need to do so immediately since no flights are available today," she said.
With the strike continuing to disrupt travel, passengers are urged to act quickly to secure alternative flights.
