Finnair has confirmed the cancellation of hundreds of flights following industrial action led by the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU), impacting ground operations at Helsinki Airport throughout July 2025.
Finnair clears the air on latest mass strike action affecting hundreds of flights
These disruptions have already affected services on 2, 4, and 7 July 2025, with further strike dates scheduled for 16, 18, 21, and 23 July 2025.
Due to the strike, Finnair’s critical services—such as baggage handling, aircraft maintenance, and catering—are severely impacted.
“We unfortunately must proactively cancel several flights for that day,” referring to the confirmed disruption on Monday, 7 July 2025.
“We are very sorry for the uncertainty and harm this situation may cause, and we will do our best to ensure your journey goes as smoothly as possible,” Finnair added.
Passengers affected by the cancelled flights are being contacted. The airline explained that “you will first receive a message about the cancellation, followed by a rebooking message including new flight details.”
Travellers are advised to visit the ‘Manage Booking’ section to ensure their contact details are up to date and to monitor for updates.
Onboard services have also been affected. From 2 to Tuesday, 8 July 2025, Finnair warned that “in-flight sales is not available and catering will be limited on our domestic and European flights.”
Economy Class passengers receive only water and a complimentary cookie, while Business Class travellers are served additional coffee and tea.
Pre-ordered meals and full meal service have been suspended, though flights to destinations like Barcelona operated by DAT LT are not affected by the industrial action.
Long-haul flights continue to offer complimentary meals and snacks, although “there may be some changes to the standard in-flight menu selection in Business class,” and pre-selecting meals is currently unavailable.
For passengers whose flights were cancelled, Finnair outlined several options: rebooking, changing travel dates within a 14-day window, or cancelling for a refund.
However, the airline cautioned that “we unfortunately might not be able to confirm some of the pre-ordered travel extras, such as meals or pet transportation, to your new flights.”
In cases requiring overnight stays, Finnair will provide hotel accommodation and transportation.
“If we are unable to arrange accommodation for you… you may book accommodation yourself… and apply for compensation for reasonable hotel and ground transportation costs afterwards,” the airline advised.
Travellers experiencing delayed baggage issues are advised to use Finnair’s online tracking system.
“We will deliver your baggage to you as soon as possible and will contact you to organise the delivery once the baggage has arrived at your destination,” the airline noted.
Finnair’s customer service remains congested due to the high volume of inquiries, and the airline urged patience while alternative arrangements are processed.
The company assured passengers that all updates will be shared promptly as the situation develops, and cancellations for upcoming strike dates will be announced at least two days in advance.