THOUSANDS of passengers have been left grounded after a surprise strike by airport staff saw flights cancelled.
Scots travellers heading to and from Germany have seen journeys axed or delayed as terminal workers mounted a last-minute walk-out over pay.
Trade union Verdi announced surprise industrial action at Hamburg Airport before expanding nationwide for 24 hours.
Airports have been forced to cancel all departures or operate on significantly reduced schedules — with an estimated 500,000 fliers affected.
Budget airline easyJet confirmed its 12.25pm flight to Berlin is among those impacted.
It told customers: “We’re very sorry to inform you that your flight is cancelled.
“This is because of a national ground handling and security staff strike in Germany today which is affecting essential areas in the airport.”
Hundreds of flights from major hubs across Germany have been hooked amid worker demands for an eight percent pay increase, higher bonuses and extra time off.
They launched the strike on Sunday evening causing disruption which is expected to last into the week.
Some passengers had already checked in bags when they were told their journey was not going ahead.
Lufthansa cancelled its 6am service to Edinburgh, before pulling 3.3pm and 8.35pm take-offs, and Ryanair scrapped lunchtime flight from the airport to Berlin.
A 5.10pm Frankfurt to Edinburgh and inbound easyJet service from Berlin to the capital at 5.25pm were also impacted.
Hamburg Airport’s Katja Bromm says calling a strike with no notice was “dishonourable” and “excessive and unfair to tens of thousands of travellers who have nothing to do with the disputes”.
Verdi official Lars Stubbe says extreme action was needed to win more rights for workers.
He said: “We know that it is a massive burden for passengers.
“Our colleagues know that too.
“But they have said we have to go on strike.
“It must be effective, so that we have a reasonable offer to negotiate.”
