Finnair cancels 300 flights as pilots strike over working conditions

In Finland, Finnair, the country's flag carrier airline, confirmed it would cancel around 300 flights in December due to impending strike action by pilots. The strikes are set to take place on the 9th and 13th of December and will affect approximately 33,000 customers. The decision comes after stalled negotiations between the Finnish Air Pilots' Association and the Service Sector Employers Palta. Pilots are demanding compensation for working conditions following concessions made during the Covid-19 pandemic and due to the impact of Russian airspace closures. Approximately 140 flights will be cancelled from December 9, followed by an additional 150 on December 13. Customers are being notified of these cancellations, and efforts are underway to re-route as many as possible. Finnair reports that about 80% of affected customers have already been offered alternative flights, but due to the volume of cancellations, not every passenger can receive favorable re-routing. Passengers not accommodated will have the option to contact customer service or apply for refunds. Finnair's COO Jaakko Schildt expressed regret over the situation, emphasizing the airline's commitment to serving its customers despite the operational challenges caused by the strikes. He indicated that the situation was regrettable, especially during a peak travel time just before Christmas. The pilots, represented by the Finnish Air Pilots' Association, assert that their actions are necessary due to ongoing issues with working conditions and the need for fairness in compensation post-crisis, despite previous bonus payments offered by Palta. In response to the announced strikes, Schildt expressed disappointment that the union chose to strike rather than continue negotiations. While the airline is proactively working to accommodate customers whose flights are affected, the high volume of cancellations means delays and extended wait times for customer service assistance. The pilots have stated that they value their role in safely transporting passengers but felt that negotiating through strikes was their only remaining option amidst stagnating discussions. The situation highlights the delicate balance between employee welfare and the operational capabilities of airlines in challenging circumstances.