Deutsche Bahn Faces Surge in Train Cancellations Over Recent Years

Train cancellations in Germany have quadrupled since 2019, driven by strikes, weather events, and infrastructure issues.

The percentage of cancelled long-distance trains rose from 1% in 2019 to 4% in 2024, with regional train cancellations reaching 5% last year.
Nearly half of the cancellations in 2024 occurred during a January strike by the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL) over a labor dispute.
More than 60% of train cancellations in 2024 were attributed to external factors such as strikes and extreme weather conditions.
Critics highlight aging infrastructure and insufficient maintenance of train vehicles as additional contributors to the increase in cancellations.
Calls for continued and secure investment in rail infrastructure have been made, with warnings that delays in network upgrades could worsen the situation.