Strikes by airport security staff across Germany have caused widespread flight cancellations.

Half of flights at Frankfurt Airport have been cancelled today due to an 18-hour strike.

An estimated 220,000 passengers are being affected.

The strikes are also impacting flights at Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart, Hannover, Bremen, Hamburg, Dresden, Leipzig , Erfurt and Dortmund

The strikes have been called by German unions DBB and Verdi in a battle over pay and working conditions. They began at 2am this morning local time.

Frankfurt Airport operator Fraport said: “Due to a strike by security staff at several German airports today, major disruptions and flight cancellations can also be expected at Frankfurt Airport.

“In particular, the security checkpoints outside the transit area will not be staffed until approximately 8pm. Thus, for the duration of the strike, passengers departing locally from Frankfurt will not be able to use the security checkpoints to get to their flights. We therefore strongly advise all originating passengers from Frankfurt to avoid coming to the airport. Please contact your airline or travel operator as soon as possible for information on your flight.

“Transfer processes for connecting passengers in the transit area will still largely be possible. Nevertheless, transfer passengers should also expect disruptions and delays due to the strike activities.”