News

Finnair cancels 50 flights on Monday due to work stoppage

The cancellation is the latest in an ongoing labour dispute in the aviation sector this spring.

Passengers looking at a departures board at Helsinki Airport.
Due to industrial action by the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) at Helsinki Airport, Finnair has cancelled around 50 flights on Monday. Image: Henrietta Hassinen / Yle
  • Yle News

Finnair has cancelled around 50 flights scheduled for Monday 2 June due to industrial action by the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) at Helsinki Airport.

The union has announced a four-hour work stoppage impacting ground services at the airport.

Finnair estimated that approximately 3,600 passengers will be affected and said it will offer rebookings or refunds to those whose flights are cancelled.

The airline is notifying passengers directly as cancellations are processed in its systems.

Finnair also warned of potential disruptions to baggage handling and advised passengers travelling on Monday to check in online, arrive at the airport early and pack essential items — such as medication — in their hand luggage.

The industrial dispute between the IAU and aviation employer organisation Palta has dragged on since late January without resolution. The union has staged multiple walkouts this spring, prompting Finnair to cancel hundreds of flights. The most recent cancellations occurred on Friday.

While most air transport employee groups have accepted pay rises in line with national agreements, the IAU continues to demand higher increases.

The union has also announced further strike action for Wednesday 4 June.

Finnair said it is likely that, if the strike proceeds, it will have a significant impact on flights that day as well. The airline plans to issue an update on Monday regarding any cancellations for Wednesday.