The strike in Finland

The strike in Finland, announced by several trade unions against the Finnish government on February 1-2, 2024, has led to the planned cancellation of approximately 550 flights by Finnair. The cause of the protest is changes in labor market regulations, which significantly impact aviation operations, especially in Helsinki, where Finnair handles an average of 280 flights per day.

As a result, the majority of flights during the strike days will be canceled, with Finnair intending to operate only a few connections, directly informing customers of the changes. The process of canceling flights will commence as early as January 30, offering alternative routes for travelers. Customers on long-haul flights with layovers in Helsinki will be rerouted directly to their destinations.

During the strike, ground services and onboard assistance may be disrupted, potentially causing flight delays. Finnair urges customers to be understanding as customer service may be under increased strain, leading to extended waiting times. The company had previously offered customers the option to change their travel dates, and from January 30, rerouting of passengers will begin, including using flights from other airlines.

Following the strike, Finnair plans to collaborate with partners to smoothly resume flight operations. Earlier, on January 19, the company had offered customers the flexibility to reschedule flights outside the strike period. Customers with reservations between February 1 and 2 had the opportunity to adjust their travel dates earlier or later, ensuring they do not exceed March 15, 2024.