Finnair Warns of Possible Flight Cancellations

Finnair has said that it might not have enough pilots to operate certain flights due to restrictions put in place by the Finnish Pilots’ Association.

Restrictions include a ban on pilots working additional flights and pilot roster changes to cover for last-minute illnesses.

Collective labor agreement negotiations are still ongoing between Finnair and the pilot union. The collective labor agreement expired on 15 November 2016.

Finnair has warned that it may need to cancel a flight for example if a pilot becomes ill and there aren’t enough standby and management pilots to fill the position. Currently, Finnair has fewer pilots available for duty than usual as the company is training pilots for new aircraft types and positions as part of its growth strategy.

Finnair is planning to wet lease an aircraft to cover potential cancellations on European routes.

Finnair cancelled one long haul flight on Sunday. Confirmed cancellations will be announced on Finnair’s website and customers will also receive a text message or email. Customers are advised to make sure their mobile phone numbers and email addresses are included in the reservation details.

In case of a flight cancellation, customers can postpone their trip free of charge between 28 November and 21 December, 2016 or between 1 January and 30 June 31 March 2017 according to seat availability. Customers are entitled to a ticket refund if they choose not to travel.

“We are very sorry for the inconvenience and worry these cancellations might cause to our customers. We are making every effort to find the best possible alternative flights for our affected customers,” said Jaakko Schildt, Finnair’s Chief Operating Officer. “The negotiations are ongoing. I am hopeful we will reach an agreement soon with the Finnish Pilot’s Association so we can resume normal flight operations.”

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