Strike impacts Gardermoen: 'It can become completely chaotic'

A strike by the Norwegian Air Traffic Controllers' Union has significantly impacted operations at Gardermoen Airport and other major Norwegian airports. The union initiated the strike after failing to reach an agreement with employer organization Spekter.

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It can become completely chaotic. That's what we call it.

Gardermoen Airport faced a complete closure of its airspace on Sunday between 6:30 AM and 11:30 AM. The Norwegian Air Traffic Controllers' Union's action affects air traffic control at several of the country's largest airports. Significant limitations and temporary airspace closures were anticipated over Western Norway on Saturday evening, with Sunday's closure at Gardermoen being a key disruption.

The strike created a mixed bag of effects for businesses at Gardermoen. Coffee shops, like Starbucks, reported a surge in customers, with shift leader Therese Storsveen noting sales could increase up to fivefold. "We are trying to gear up well. We have brought in extra staff for the weekend," she said, acknowledging the difficult situation for affected passengers.

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I've been standing here for two and a half hours, and it's been completely quiet. The last time it was this quiet was during COVID.

Conversely, taxi drivers experienced an unprecedented lull. "I've been standing here for two and a half hours, and it's been completely quiet. The last time it was this quiet was during COVID," said taxi driver Akhtar Alam. Another driver reported waiting five hours without a fare, highlighting the dramatic impact on their livelihood.

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We are trying to gear up well. We have brought in extra staff for the weekend.