Air traffic controller strike grounds flights at Oslo Airport

An air traffic controller strike has paralyzed Oslo Airport (Gardermoen), resulting in widespread flight cancellations and delays. The airport was closed to regular traffic from 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Sunday, with operator Avinor warning of continued disruptions throughout the day and across Norway.

Avinor reported that at least 150 flights nationwide were canceled on Sunday. Norwegian Air canceled 72 flights, including services to Krakow, while SAS also removed many morning connections from its schedule. The effects of the strike are expected to linger throughout Sunday and into the following week.

The labor dispute, which commenced on Friday, centers on working conditions and salary demands. Controllers rejected an employer's offer of an average annual pay increase of approximately 62,000 Norwegian kroner (about $5,800 USD). The Norwegian Air Traffic Controllers Union has stated that the employer's proposal does not meet their requirements.

Avinor has implemented contingency measures, providing field beds, blankets, and water to stranded passengers. In Bergen, hundreds of travelers spent the night at the airport as hotels were fully booked. The situation at Gardermoen and Bergen is expected to gradually improve on Monday.

However, the controllers plan to expand their protest starting Tuesday, potentially affecting airports in central and northern Norway as well. This escalation could lead to further travel chaos for passengers.