Finnair Cancels 70 Flights Scheduled For March 27, 2025 Due To Afternoon Flash Strike

Four Finnish trade unions are striking at the Helsinki Airport on Monday, March 27, 2025, between 2 PM and 4 PM, significantly affecting flight activity. Due to this, Finnair has already announced that it expects to cancel roughly 70 flights. The striking employees work in […]

Mar 26, 2025 - 08:23

Four Finnish trade unions are striking at the Helsinki Airport on Monday, March 27, 2025, between 2 PM and 4 PM, significantly affecting flight activity. Due to this, Finnair has already announced that it expects to cancel roughly 70 flights.

The striking employees work in ground handling and customer service. Finnair’s press release does not indicate whether any of these employees are directly employed by the airline as if they were, they would be liable for the EC 261/2004 delay compensation, but Duty to Care applies regardless.

You can access Finnair here.

Note that this strike activity affects not only Finnair but all other airlines serving the airport. You should check with the airline to see if the flight will operate or has been canceled/retimed.

The EC 261/2004 legislation’s Duty to Care applies, and airlines are required to rebook affected passengers to their final destination as soon as possible, even if this means rebooking them on other airlines.

Airlines also need to provide accommodation and meals in case of long delays.

Passengers can also opt for a refund if their travel is disrupted, and the airline is required to provide a refund in that instance, even on non-refundable tickets.

If any of the striking employees are directly employed by the airline, the EC 261/2004 delay compensation then also kicks in.

Finnair’s Announcement:

Finnair to cancel approximately 70 flights due to industrial action in Finland on 27 March

Finnish Aviation Union IAU’s three trade unions and Finnish Transport Workers’ Union AKT have announced industrial action taking a stand on state’s role in Shareholders’ Nomination Board. According to the announcement, the industrial action is political, and will take place on Thursday 27 March, between 2p.m. and 4p.m.
The industrial action 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 approximately 70 flights. Cancellations will affect approximately 6500 Finnair customers. Finnair will offer an alternative flight for customers 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,” says Jaakko Schildt, Chief Operating Officer at Finnair.
Customers 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 customer will be informed about the new routing, which will also be seen in Finnair’s Manage booking service and mobile application. The offered routing can be changed in Manage booking or through customer service. Alternatively, customers can cancel their reservation and apply for a refund for the unused ticket.
The industrial action might cause disruption in Helsinki Airport’s services and baggage handling on Thursday, so customers travelling on Thursday are encouraged to check-in in advance, arrive at the airport on time and pack essential items, such as medicines, in hand baggage.
“We are very sorry for the concern and the changes to our customers’ travel plans caused by this situation. 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,” says Schildt.

Conclusion

If your Finnair flight for March 27 is canceled, you should find a reason behind this, as the airline continues to have a dispute with its pilot union that results in anywhere from 1 to 15 canceled rotations daily.

When the cancellation is due to the pilot dispute, the airline, in this case Finnair, is liable for the delay cash compensation per EC 261/2004.

Also, the Consumer Ombudsman in Finland is taking Finnair to Market Court for falsely denying claims: Finnair Faces Market Court Lawsuit Over Passenger Rights Violations

Source