Increased Waiting Times and Flight Cancellations Expected - Passengers Advised to Contact Their Airline in Advance - Appeal: Conduct Warning Strikes with Moderation and Sense of Obligation

26.03.2014

ANR 19/2014

FRA/rap-gk> Due to a public sector strike across Germany announced by the Verdi union for Thursday, March 27, 2014, major disruptions and flight cancellations are also expected at Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Commenting on the announced strike, Fraport AG's executive board member and executive director labor relations Michael Müller said: "Strikes are a legitimate way for unions to press for their demands. However, strikes should not lead to a disproportionately high number of people - who have absolutely nothing to do with the unions' dispute - being massively affected by the strike. An eleven-hour strike will result in major disruptions for our passengers, particularly our international passengers here at Frankfurt Airport. Therefore, we appeal to the unions to conduct warning strikes with moderation and in reasonable proportion, and above all with a sense of obligation towards the passengers - instead of misusing the airport at every opportunity for high-profile public campaigns."

In a joint effort with all partners affected by the strike, Fraport - the owner and manager of Frankfurt Airport - is taking all possible measures to be prepared for the announced strike and to provide passengers with information in advance. Extra airport and airline staff will be deployed in the terminals to assist affected passengers and provide waiting passengers with food and refreshments. In addition, Fraport and Lufthansa will again activate the proven "color system" to help passengers find the assistance they need in the terminals. By dividing the terminal check-in halls into different color zones, passengers can more easily find the appropriate service for their specific flight requirements.

To better plan and manage their journey, passengers are kindly asked to check the status of their flight on their airline's website before traveling to the airport and to take advantage of online rebooking options. Passengers, whose flight has not been cancelled in advance, are advised to allow extra time for their journey to the airport on Thursday and to check in as early as possible, since longer waiting times are expected during the strike. Passengers, whose flight has been cancelled without any rebooking options, are requested to refrain from coming to the airport.

Flight information is available on the website of the respective airline or by calling 01806-FRAINFO (01806-3724636 - flat landline rate of €0.20 euro cents per call within Germany), and via the Frankfurt Airport app. Updates about the situation are also available at www.frankfurt-airport.com.

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