Nearly 150 flights were canceled in Norway due to a strike
In Norway, 147 flights were canceled on Sunday, August 23, due to a strike by air traffic controllers. Oslo-Gardermoen Airport was hit hardest, and Norwegian Air Shuttle canceled 72 flights, forcing approximately 9,000 passengers to adjust their travel plans.
Avinor warned that passengers could face not only cancellations but also flight delays throughout the day. The country’s main airport—Oslo-Gardermoen—was hit the hardest. There, 75 departures and 47 arrivals were canceled. Across Norway, the total number of canceled flights reached 147.
Due to the strike, the airspace around Oslo Airport was completely closed to scheduled flights from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This directly affected airline operations. In particular, Norwegian canceled 72 flights. According to the company, this affected approximately 9,000 passengers.
The air traffic controllers’ strike began on Friday, August 21, at 11:00 a.m. Currently, 12 air traffic controllers working at Oslo-Gardermoen and Bergen-Flesland airports have stopped work. The strike was triggered by negotiations between the Norwegian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NFF) and the Spekter organization. The parties were unable to reach an agreement. The head of Spekter called the strike “completely incomprehensible.” He also stated that air traffic controllers are among the highest-paid professional groups in Norway.
The NFF union, for its part, denies that wages are the main cause of the conflict. Representatives of the air traffic controllers say the dispute primarily concerns working conditions. Key issues include the duration and organization of breaks, rules for employees at different stages of their careers, and guidelines for instructors.
The situation may become even more complicated in the coming days. It is expected that starting Tuesday, August 25, eight more air traffic controllers will join the strike. This means that passengers in Norway may face further flight cancellations and delays if the parties fail to reach an agreement, according to NRK.
King Harald V of Norway has been admitted to a hospital, where he will undergo treatment. According to the Royal Palace, the 89-year-old monarch will be on sick leave for two weeks.
