Tor Haag has traveled around with his mother Åse and brother Carl on Svalbard for a week and enjoyed the magnificent nature.
The idea was that they would fly home on Tuesday with SAS – one of two airlines flying from the archipelago. But when the pilot strike was a fact, the travel plans were, to say the least, shattered.
Minutes after the strike was announced, Norwegian’s departures, which fly from Svalbard three times a week, were booked a week ahead. And when the family contacts SAS, there is no help to get from the airline. Tor Haag has contacted Hurtigruten and other travel companies to find a solution, but without success.
– There are no alternative routes from here. No boats, no cars, says Tor Haag.
If all goes well, the family will return home to Sweden in seven days.
– We have managed to get tickets for Monday next week. But then we get to fly to Oslo and then we get to spend the night at the airport.
“One thing if you are stuck in Greece”
The extra days on Svalbard allow the family to stay in the same hotel, as other travelers do not get there as planned instead. But it will be an expensive trip.
– It’s very frustrating.
– It’s one thing if you are stuck in Greece. Then there are alternatives, you can take the car, says Tor Haag.
What are you going to do this week?
– Yes you, we are thinking of going on a hike maybe. Check out a polar bear if you’m lucky.
