Air traffic controllers strike in Norway, Oslo Airport to close Sunday morning

Air traffic controllers in Norway have initiated a strike, causing widespread flight delays and cancellations across the nation. The industrial action began on Friday and is impacting key airports, including Oslo's Gardermoen and Bergen's Flesland.

Avinor, the employer's side, warned that the strike affects approach control services more broadly, potentially leading to disruptions throughout the country. Delays were already evident on Friday, with expectations of nationwide impact by evening. The situation is projected to continue into Monday, with significant disruptions anticipated for Saturday and a complete halt of all flight operations at Oslo Gardermoen from 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Sunday.

The core of the dispute lies in ongoing negotiations over collective bargaining agreements. Despite intensive talks held overnight between Thursday and Friday, the parties failed to reach a consensus, triggering the strike.

Finnair and Norwegian have confirmed flight routes affected by the strike. Finnair operates flights from Helsinki to both Oslo and Bergen, while Norwegian flies from Helsinki to Oslo.