Strike disrupts flights operation

A number of scheduled flights were cancelled and many of the flights were delayed on Sunday as the the airports ground and security workers started strike at all the airports in Finland.

National flag carrier Finnair already cancelled five flights on Sunday at the Helsinki Airport and announced to cancel ten more flights on Monday due to the strike, said a press release of Finavia, the company which operates airports in the country.

The strike will affect flight operation of several airlines from 3.00 am to 9.00 am and the affect will be more intensive than the previous strike of March 3.

Flights may be delayed and the delays may affect also air traffic during the rest of the day.

There will be less employees taking care of aircraft de-icing during the strike.

This strike is caused by the service company Airpro’s new general agreement, which came into force on February 1, in adherence to the Competitiveness Pact.

The agreement exists between labour unions JHL and Pardia, and is legally binding for IAU members. IAU was previously a party to the Airpro agreement. It, however, seceded from the Competitiveness Solution and is demanding better benefits for its members.

Finavia requested the passengers to follow airlines' communication, and if needed contact the airline directly.

Security control will be operated nearly normally with special arrangements. There may still be queues.

There may be queues at Helsinki Airport check-in. There will be delays with baggage handling. For instance, Finnair has recommended their passengers to travel with hand luggage only if possible.

On March 10 from 15.00 to 19.00 and March 14 from 3.00 to 9.00 am strikes would include air traffic at several airports. Situation can be later estimated in more details.