Three Finnish trade unions, along with the Finnish Transport Workers’ Union (AKT), have announced a joint plan to hold a two-hour political strike at Helsinki Airport (HEL).
Finnair has confirmed in a statement that the industrial action will take place on March 27, 2025, from 14:00 to 16:00 local time. The strike will coincide with Finnair’s annual general meeting for 2025, which is scheduled from 15:00 local time the same day.
The industrial action is being organized by three branches of the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU): SLT, ATA, and the Finnish Civil Aviation Officials Union, in collaboration with the Finnish Transport Workers’ Union (AKT).
Union workers from AKT and IAU unions declared that they will protest against the government’s ownership policies, particularly the proposed increase in compensation for board members of the state-owned airline.
The demonstration will impact essential air traffic operations, including airport customer service, baggage handling, and other ground services, leading to potential disruptions in flight operations, the airline announced in an updated statement on March 26, 2025.
As a result, the airline will cancel approximately 70 flights, affecting approximately 6,500 Finnair passengers. The airline added that flight delays are also possible.
“The effects of this industrial actions on our customers are unreasonable – customers will have to change their travel plans when flights must be cancelled,” said Jaakko Schildt, Chief Operating Officer at Finnair. “We will do our very best to offer a suitable new routing to everyone.”
However, Finnair has stated that it will arrange alternative flights for passengers whose flights are canceled as soon as possible and inform customers about their new travel arrangements. Alternatively, the airline said that passengers have the option to cancel their reservation and request a refund for any unused tickets.
The strike could also lead to interruptions in services and baggage handling at Helsinki Airport. The airline advice travelers to check in early, arrive on time, and pack essential items like medications in their hand baggage.
“We are very sorry for the concern and the changes to our customers’ travel plans caused by this situation,” Schildt added. “We ask for patience from customers, and we will do our best to ensure that customers can carry out their travel plans despite this unfortunate situation.”