Finnair's operations are set to face challenges as a standby work ban imposed by the Finnish Air Line Pilots' Association (SLL) takes effect on Monday.
The ban means that pilots will not respond to standby shifts, typically used to cover unforeseen absences such as illness. Without standby pilots, flights without scheduled crew are likely to be cancelled.
"Most likely, those flights will have to be cancelled,” Finnair's Communications Director Päivyt Tallqvist told Yle.
The standby system is essential for ensuring the smooth operation of flights, but the impact of the ban remains uncertain. Tallqvist stated that the number of cancellations will depend on variables such as pilot absences due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances.
While some gaps may be filled by managers, who are not generally involved in industrial action, this will only cover a portion of the need.
"We will inform customers of any cancelled flights as soon as possible and work to rebook them on alternative routes. If suitable alternatives cannot be found, customers can cancel their trip and request a refund," Tallqvist explained.
The standby ban is part of SLL's industrial action in an ongoing dispute with the employers' association Palta over Finnair pilots' pay. The negotiations have been deadlocked since 16 December, when SLL rejected a settlement proposal from the national conciliator.
In December, Finnair was forced to cancel hundreds of flights due to pilot strikes. While SLL paused industrial action over the Christmas period to ensure smooth holiday travel, the resumption of measures followed failed attempts to resolve the conflict through local negotiations.
