Finnair has announced the cancellation of approximately 110 flights scheduled for May 30, affecting nearly 8,000 passengers due to an ongoing labor dispute with the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU). The disruption marks the fifth wave of cancellations in May, as union-led industrial actions continue to disrupt operations at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL).
Growing Disruption as Finnair Struggles with Labor Talks
On May 28, the Finnish flag carrier warned of major disruptions two days later, citing continued deadlock in contract negotiations with the IAU. The airline is offering affected travelers alternative routes, which are available through its official website and mobile app.
“We sincerely apologize for the continued disruption to our customers’ travel plans. Our teams are working tirelessly to rebook affected passengers as quickly as possible,” said Jaakko Schildt, Chief Operating Officer at Finnair.
Operational Impact and Passenger Advisory
The industrial action will consist of targeted four-hour strikes, affecting ground handling, maintenance, and other essential support services at HEL. Finnair is urging travelers flying on May 30 to:
- Check in online in advance;
- Arrive early at the airport;
- Keep essential items in their carry-on baggage;
- Ensure contact details are updated to receive real-time notifications.
If your flight was canceled due to the strike, you might be eligible for canceled flight compensation with Finnair, depending on the circumstances and how the disruption was communicated.
According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, Finnair had originally planned 167 departures and 169 arrivals for May 30, with popular routes including Tallinn (TLL), Oulu (OUL), and Stockholm Arlanda (ARN).
Future Strikes Loom in Early June
Finnair has also confirmed that the IAU intends to carry out additional strike actions on June 2 and June 4. The potential impact of these walkouts is still being assessed. However, without a breakthrough in negotiations, further cancellations are highly likely.
When flight disruptions like cancellations or diversions occur due to airline-related issues, passengers flying from or within the EU are protected by air passenger rights under EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation entitles you to compensation of up to €600, reimbursement options, and care provisions such as meals or accommodation — depending on the circumstances.
The Root of the Labor Dispute
The IAU claims the conflict stems from unresolved salary disputes dating back to 2021 and 2022, when Finnair and the aviation industry at large were reeling from the COVID-19 crisis. The union argues that workers’ compensation has fallen behind national averages and demands that this gap be addressed in the upcoming contract.
In a May 28 statement, the IAU said:
“The employer has refused to recognize the sector’s pay lag caused by the absence of increases in 2021–2022. Although a mediator proposed a settlement on May 27, it included a company-wide wage negotiation clause that we cannot accept.”
The union emphasized that Finnair salaries increased by 6.4% between 2020 and 2024, while the national average wage growth over the same period was 10.4%. They cite both the pandemic and geopolitical impacts—such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—as reasons for wage stagnation among airline workers.
May Disruptions in Numbers
The May 30 cancellations add to a growing list of strike-related disruptions. Finnair has already canceled 410 flights across four previous strike days this month: May 2, May 5, May 16, and May 19. With the addition of the 110 flights on May 30, the total for May alone will reach over 520 canceled flights.
What Can You Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled Due to a Strike?
In many cases, airline strikes may not qualify as extraordinary circumstances, meaning you could be eligible for compensation. Read our full guide on strike compensation for air passengers to check if you qualify and how to claim it easily.
