Finnair Strike Cancels 100 Flights Disrupting Travel at Helsinki Airport

Finnair will cancel around 100 flights on Monday, July 7, due to a strike called by the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU). The industrial action will take place at Helsinki Airport and is expected to significantly disrupt ground operations essential to Finnair’s services. With key ground operations like baggage handling and aircraft towing halted, many flights won’t be able to depart as planned.

Approximately 7,200 passengers are expected to be affected by the cancellations. Finnair began contacting impacted customers on Friday, July 5, offering two options:

• Rerouted travel on alternative flights, depending on availability
• Full refunds for canceled bookings

To communicate these changes, the airline is using:

• Email notifications
• SMS messages
• Finnair’s mobile app and "Manage Booking" platform

Due to the high volume of updates, delays in rebooking and itinerary confirmation may occur.

Those with scheduled travel through Helsinki on July 7 may face serious complications. In addition to outright cancellations, there may be limited availability on alternative flights due to seasonal demand. Those changing planes at Helsinki could run into delays or risk missing connections. This level of unpredictability underscores the importance of staying informed and being prepared for sudden itinerary changes.

In response, Finnair has allowed passengers scheduled to fly on July 7 to change their travel dates without incurring additional charges. Passengers can now reschedule their trips more easily thanks to this flexible option. The move is particularly helpful during the busy summer season, as it gives travelers more room to plan alternatives and avoid last-minute cancellations. A large number of passengers have already modified their bookings to avoid disruption.

Looking ahead, further industrial action is planned for July 16, 18, 21, and 23, which could lead to additional disruptions. While the full impact of those dates remains under assessment, Finnair has committed to notifying customers two days in advance of any cancellations. Those planning trips over these dates should stay informed about their flights and be prepared for possible changes.