Finnair announced that its operations will face significant impacts due to a dispute with pilots. The Finnish Air Line Pilots’ Association (FALPA-SLL) rejected the latest proposal by the National Conciliator on December 9. As a result, union members will stop answering standby calls starting December 12, causing flight cancellations with little notice.

The airline’s Chief Operating Officer warned that this issue would disrupt travel plans, especially during the busy holiday season. Without replacement pilots, flight cancellations may occur, affecting many passengers. Finnair promised to inform affected travelers promptly and offer alternative travel options. The airline emphasized the importance of maintaining flight connections to support Finland’s appeal as a tourist destination.

Additionally, Finnair faces challenges from the loss of access to Russian airspace. Since February 2022, European carriers, including Finnair, cannot use this airspace due to sanctions imposed after Russia’s actions. This places Finnair at a disadvantage compared to airlines that still operate routes through Russian airspace.

Despite these obstacles, Finnair hopes further negotiations will resolve the issue. The airline stressed the need for a competitive, strong flag carrier to maintain jobs and ensure reliable connections in the future. Despite disruptions, Finnair continues to prioritize passenger safety and minimize travel interruptions.

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