Post-strike holidays bring sustained air traffic stress
Germany’s air travel sector is facing a busy Easter weekend, though it remains far from full recovery. Airlines and airports are preparing for higher passenger numbers, but ongoing staff shortages and reduced capacity continue to limit operations.
German air traffic control (DFS) has cut the maximum takeoffs and landings per hour at major airports. The move aims to improve reliability rather than push for pre-pandemic volumes. Frankfurt Airport, the country’s busiest hub, will not return to its full capacity of 104 movements per hour until late August.
Last Sunday, a test run for peak operations at Frankfurt Airport ended in chaos. Severe delays and IT system failures disrupted flights, raising concerns ahead of the holiday rush. Despite this, Lufthansa—Frankfurt’s dominant carrier—claims it is well prepared for Easter. The airline has even assigned a Boeing 747 to short-haul routes like Mallorca to handle the demand.
The wider aviation industry still struggles with staffing issues and automation problems. Last year, German passenger numbers were 34.1% lower than in 2019, with this year’s gap expected to narrow to around 15%. Additional pressure will come from Air Defender 2023, the largest air force exercise since the Cold War. Running from June 12 to 23, it will further strain German airspace.
For now, no new strikes are planned during the Easter travel period, according to the EVG and Verdi unions. However, French air traffic control strikes and the ongoing war in Ukraine continue to restrict available routes.
Airlines and airports are cautiously optimistic about managing the Easter travel surge. Yet, reduced capacity, staff shortages, and external disruptions mean delays and challenges remain likely. The industry is still months away from returning to pre-pandemic levels of operation.
