A planned strike action by three Finnish trade unions will see Finnair cancel approximately 70 flights on Thursday 27 March, with further delays expected at Helsinki Airport
Three trade unions from the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) and the Finnish Transport Workers’ Union (AKT) have planned a political strike. The action is to protest the state’s involvement in the Shareholders’ Nomination Board.
Helsinki Airport Disruption
Industrial action by the participating unions is set for Thursday, 27 March 27 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The strike will disrupt operations at Helsinki Airport, impacting services like customer assistance, baggage handling, and ground support. As a result, Finnair expects significant interruptions to its flight schedule.
Finnair has already decided to cancel around 70 flights due to the strike. This will affect roughly 6,500 passengers. The airline is working hard to lessen the inconvenience by arranging alternative flights for those impacted.
Jaakko Schildt, Finnair’s Chief Operating Officer, expressed frustration over the situation. “It’s unfair that about 6,500 travelers will need to adjust their plans because of these cancellations. We’re doing everything we can to find new flight options for everyone,” he said.
Affected passengers will receive immediate notification of cancellations. Soon after, they’ll get details about their new flight arrangements.
Customers can view or adjust these options through Finnair’s Manage Booking service online or via the mobile app. If the new flight doesn’t work, travelers can contact customer service to change it or opt for a full refund by canceling their booking.
Delays at Helsinki Airport
As well as the proposed Finnair flight cancellations, the strike action could also cause delays and issues at Helsinki Airport (HEL) on Thursday.
Finnair advises passengers traveling that day to check in early, arrive on time, and keep essentials like medications in their carry-on bags. Schildt apologized for the disruption.
“We deeply regret the worry and changes this causes our customers. We ask for your patience and promise to do our utmost to help you travel as planned despite this challenge,” he added.
This political action highlights tensions over governance in Finland’s aviation sector. For now, Finnair is focused on supporting its passengers through the disruption. Travelers should stay updated and plan ahead to minimize inconvenience on March 27.
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