News Britons with holidays booked may be entitled to £500 as European airline 'forced' to cancel flights

Anna Barry

Guest Reporter
Holidaymakers have been warned of more travel chaos as Finnair announces that strike action will disrupt its services.

In a statement to passengers, the airline said: "Finnair will cancel several flights on March 27, 2025, due to industrial action, which significantly impacts Finnair’s operations.



"Three trade union sections of the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) - SLT, ATA and the Finnish Civil Aviation Officials Union - along with the Finnish Transport Workers' Union (AKT) have announced an industrial action, which according to the notification will be carried out on Thursday, March 27 from 2pm to 4pm.

"The demonstration will affect essential functions for air traffic, such as airport customer service, baggage handling and other ground services, thus causing disruptions to the smooth operation of flights.


Helsinki, Finland


"As a result, Finnair is forced to cancel several flights on Thursday. Flight delays are also possible. We recommend packing the most essentials, like medicines, in your carry-on baggage following your carry-on baggage allowance that you can check in Finnair app or Manage booking.

"We monitor the situation closely and will update this page with any new information. We are very sorry for the uncertainty and harm this situation may cause you, and we will do our best to minimise the impact on your journey."

On its official website, Finnair has provided information on how passengers can find out if their flight is disrupted, the options available if their flight is cancelled, accommodation and checked baggage.

Finland's national carrier serves London, Manchester and Edinburgh, meaning holidaymakers from all over the UK could be impacted.



Finland is a beautiful country where visitors can catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, visit a public sauna, explore Helsinki Archipelago and wander 41 national parks.

But before visiting, it's important to be aware of the latest travel guidance, including new flight information.

AirAdvisor, which helps air passengers claim compensation for disrupted air journeys, claimed that 70 flights have been cancelled, with up to 6,500 passengers affected.

Offering advice to those whose travel plans have been thwarted, founder Anton Radchenko stated: "As there is an argument that these strikes could have been avoided by Finnair, passengers whose flights are cancelled or delayed as a result of the industrial action on the 27th, may be able to claim up to €600 (around £501) in compensation from the airline.

"If your flight is cancelled, Finnair may offer you an alternative flight. However, if you no longer wish to travel, you can also claim a full refund equivalent to the value that you paid for your ticket.





"Finnair is suggesting that the action may affect baggage handling and ground services teams, so if your flight is still going ahead, you may be affected by issues with your baggage.

"Because of this, we advise packing a change of clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste and any other essentials like phone chargers in your carry-on rather than checked bags in case your hold luggage doesn't make it on the flight or gets lost.

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Helsinki, Finland

"When strikes are looming, make sure you have your airline's app on your mobile device and sign up for email and SMS updates to stay informed about how the strikes could affect your travel plans.

"If your flight is cancelled or delayed due to airline staff strikes, use a compensation calculator to establish what you might be owed and always file a claim as quickly as possible."

In more airline news, a new start-up carrier has announced its first-ever flights from the UK to America just in time for summer.

Global Airlines will offer a luxurious experience for passengers from Manchester and Glasgow to New York JFK.

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