The Foreign Office has issued a warning to those planning travel to Norway due to ongoing air traffic controller strikes. The advice on the government's website has been updated at the time of reporting, indicating disruptions to flights.
Strike timeline and impact
Strikes by Norwegian air traffic controllers began on Friday, August 21, causing disruptions to flights across Norway. It comes after air traffic controllers at several Norwegian airports went on strike over disagreements regarding wage negotiations, rest breaks, working conditions, career-stage policies, and instructor duties.
After Norway's air traffic controllers walked out on Friday morning, the dispute escalated significantly by Sunday. As a result, Oslo Gardermoen, the country’s largest airport, was forced to shut down resulting in the cancellation of 75 departures and 47 arrivals.
Government advice
The Foreign Office stated: “An ongoing air traffic controllers’ strike is causing disruption to flights across Norway.
“Delays and cancellations are expected while negotiations continue. Check with your airline or tour operator before travelling and monitor local updates.”
It also told travellers: “If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities, and expenses in an emergency.”
Negotiations to resume
The strike began after mediation between The Norwegian Air Traffic Controllers' Union (Norsk Flygelederforening, NFF) and the employers' association Spekter ran into overtime and then failed. Delays and cancellations as a result of the strikes have caused disruption to hundreds of passengers travelling to Norway.
NFF and employer organization Spekter will meet at 8am Monday, August 24, for their first talks since negotiations failed Friday.
