– Negotiations with the SAS pilots have been ongoing since late last autumn and have a deadline of 29 June. If you do not agree within that, it is likely that 900 pilots will be taken out on strike, which will affect approximately 250 flights daily and affect 45,000 passengers, says flight analyst Hans Jørgen Elnæs in Winair AS to NTB.
In addition to the SAS pilots, the Danish SAS aircraft mechanics have also announced that they will go on a sympathy strike, which could lead to further chaos.
At present, it is not clear which routes will be taken out in the event of a strike, but it will affect the whole of Scandinavia. However, the aviation analyst considers it more likely that there will be an agreement than that there will be a strike in SAS.
– But there is absolutely no guarantee for that, he says.
Technician strike may go towards the end
A possible SAS strike in Scandinavia comes on top of the aircraft technician strike in Norway, which has already led to dozens of cancellations.
NHO has announced a lockout from Sunday, which may push for a solution or a forced wage board within that time.
But for now, the strike will lead to more and more planes being put on the ground.
– The strike will hit the airlines more and more as time goes on, because the planes need inspection, says Elnæs.
Unclear
So far, it is Norwegian and Widerøe that are primarily affected. SAS has so far not had any departures affected, while Flyr and Norse are not covered by the strike.
The lack of technicians makes the situation confusing for those who are going to travel. Departures can be canceled close to departure, Elnæs points out.
– Unforeseen events can occur, which suddenly means that a plane must be on the ground when it cannot be inspected. This means that passengers are notified closely before departure. People must expect that it can happen, he says.
Chaos at airports
Several travelers have already noticed chaos at airports in Europe, especially at the major hubs such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Brussels, Paris and London. This can continue throughout the summer.
The main challenge has been the lack of staff to handle luggage and passengers.
– The number of flights is now being limited to reduce the number of passengers. It improves the situation somewhat, but they still lack people, and that is a big challenge, says Elnæs.
In addition, there is also a danger of strikes in Europe.
– Among other things, strikes have been reported at Ryanair. And there may also be strikes in other industries that will affect air traffic.
Angela Bahena is waiting for her luggage at Schiphol, the largest airport in the Netherlands.
Photo: Ismail Burak Akkan / NRK
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The analyst’s most important piece of advice to people going on a flight this summer is to pay close attention to all information coming from the airline.
– It is also a good idea to follow the media at home and abroad to get an overview, so that you do not get any surprises. Unfortunately, we have to prepare more when we go on a trip.
Another tip is to travel easily.
– Especially if you are going to a stopover, you may want to travel only with hand luggage. Then the danger of it getting lost on the road decreases. In addition, you become more mobile.
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