In the midst of a pre-Christmas pilots’ strike, Finnair finds itself having to cancel approximately 300 flights, affecting around 33,000 travelers. The Finnish Air Line Pilots’ Association has announced that the strikes are scheduled for December 9 and 13, 2024, leading to significant disruptions for the Finnish flag carrier.

Expressing disappointment at the situation, Finnair’s Chief Operating Officer, Jaakko Schildt, highlighted the impact on customers by stating, “It is disappointing that the Finnish Air Line Pilots’ Association has chosen to strike rather than negotiate. This unfortunately disrupts the travel plans of thousands of our customers during the pre-Christmas season.” Despite the challenges, the airline is committed to assisting affected travelers by providing alternative flight options to as many customers as possible.

Finnair plans to cancel around 140 flights on December 9 and approximately 150 flights on December 13. While efforts will be made to notify impacted customers and offer alternative travel arrangements, the airline acknowledges that not everyone will be able to be rerouted to a flight close to their original itinerary.

Acknowledging the inconvenience caused to customers, Schildt expressed regret, saying, “We are extremely sorry for the worry and inconvenience this situation causes our customers.” As the airline works diligently to find suitable new flights for affected travelers, Finnair emphasizes the importance of patience during this challenging period.

In cases where a suitable alternative flight cannot be arranged, customers are advised to apply for a refund of the ticket price. Those who purchased their tickets through a travel agent can request a refund from the respective third party. Despite the disruptions, Finnair remains committed to assisting customers in navigating their travel plans amidst the unfortunate circumstances.