Finnair will cancel 110 flights on Friday 30 May as strikes disrupt Helsinki Airport. Around 8,000 travellers will be grounded amid industrial action.
The airline confirmed the disruption on Wednesday, citing a four-hour strike organised by the Finnish Aviation Union (Ilmailualan Unioni – IAU). The one-day work stoppage is part of industrial action that will affect most ground operations, including customer service, aircraft maintenance, baggage handling, cargo and catering services.
Finnair said the impact will mainly be felt on domestic and short-haul European routes. The strike is part of ongoing labour disputes between the IAU and Finnair.
Similar actions occurred earlier in May, and additional strikes are planned for 2 June and 4 June. These disputes have contributed to a reported €22m negative impact on first-quarter results for Finnair.
Friday’s cancellations account for about a quarter of Finnair’s daily flights. Helsinki Vantaa Airport, Finland
The walkout is not directed specifically at Finnair, but the national carrier said it had no choice but to ground flights as the airport’s operations would be heavily affected. Passengers impacted by the cancellations will be offered alternative routes, rebookings or refunds, the airline said in a statement.
Finnair primarily operates from its hub at Helsinki Airport, offering flights to over 80 destinations across Europe, Asia and North America. Popular routes include connections between Helsinki and cities like London, New York, Tokyo and Bangkok.
Passengers affected by the cancellations are being contacted directly by Finnair via SMS and email. The airline advises travellers to check in online in advance, allow extra time at the airport, and to be prepared for possible congestion and delays.
The action follows recent tensions over wages and working conditions in Finland’s aviation and logistics sectors. Further updates are expected as negotiations between airport unions and employers continue.
