Strike forces Finnair to cancel 70 flights on Thursday

National flag carrier Finnair cancelled about 70 flights on Thursday due to a two-hour strike enforced by the trade unions, said Finnair in a press release on Tuesday.

The Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) and the Finnish Transport Workers' Union (AKT) called the strike protesting against the increase of the remuneration of Finnair board members at the same time when the employees are facing austerity measures, said the unions in a press release.

The unions will observe the strike from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday when airline authority is scheduled to hold its annual general meeting.

AKT chairman Ismo Kokko said that the unions considered the remuneration increases of Finnair's board members as unreasonable.

The strike will impact Helsinki Airport’s operations, such as customer service at the airport, baggage handling, and other ground services, disrupting Finnair’s flight operations.

Consequently, Finnair will cancel about 70 flights affecting approximately 6500 passengers.

Finnair, however, will offer an alternative flight for passengers whose flight was cancelled.

“The effects of this industrial actions on our customers are unreasonable – approximately 6500 customers will have to change their travel plans when flights must be cancelled. We will do our very best to offer a suitable new routing to everyone,” said Jaakko Schildt, Chief Operating Officer of Finnair.

Passengers whose flight was cancelled due to the industrial action will be informed about the cancellation as soon as it has been done. After this, the passengers will be informed about the new routing.

The strike might cause disruption in Helsinki Airport's services and baggage handling on Thursday, so passengers travelling on Thursday are urged to check-in in advance, arrive at the airport on time and pack essential items, such as medicines, in hand baggage.