Repercussions on certain ground handling operations are causing flight cancellations and possible delays. The strike is also scheduled for July 4, 7, 16, 18, 21, and 23

The Finnish union Finnish Aviation Union (Iau) has announced a workers' strike for July 2nd. "The situation affects some ground handling operations at Helsinki Airport, causing flight cancellations and possible delays", airport operator Finavia informed today. Specifically, Editor's note, the industrial action called by the union will not be limited to July 2nd but will also affect ground operations at Helsinki Airport on July 4, 7, 16, 18, 21, and 23, causing widespread disruptions to activities at the airport. Iau emphasizes that the strikes, lasting four hours each, will impact various work shifts. Since Finnair is the largest airline operating at Helsinki Airport, the industrial action will affect all essential ground services related to Finnair flights throughout the period. The airline has already announced that it will cancel flights and reroute passengers to alternative connections.

"The effects of the situation could already be visible in the days preceding and following the service interruptions", the statement continues. "When the airline reroutes passengers from flights canceled due to service disruption, the number of travelers on other days increases, and waiting times at various points in Helsinki Airport could be longer than usual".

In case of cancellations of departing flights from Helsinki, Finavia notes that the situation could also have repercussions at regional airports across the country. 

It is expected that the unrest will impact some ground handling operations. Therefore, delays may occur in the transfer of baggage to and from the aircraft. Consequently, baggage delivery times could be longer than usual. Below are some recommendations:

"Instructions for passengers

- We ask passengers to follow the instructions provided by their airline regarding the flight and arrival at the airport. Airlines will communicate any changes directly to their customers.

- Ensure that the airline has your updated contact information.

- Finnair has published an update with specific instructions for its passengers.

- For issues related to baggage delivery, please contact the airline (assistance desks are available in the baggage claim area). In addition, many airlines offer electronic forms that passengers can fill out if their baggage does not arrive at the baggage claim carousels.

- We ask passengers to pay particular attention to restrictions on liquids in carry-on luggage. At Helsinki Airport, containers of liquids up to 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage".

"We apologize for the inconvenience caused to passengers. The airport company Finavia is not involved in the strike, and the strike is not targeted at Finavia", the statement concludes.