Travel Insurance Doesn't Cover Strikes: Your Rights During Air Traffic Controller Action

A strike by twelve air traffic controllers began Friday, potentially causing significant disruptions to air travel throughout the weekend. The industrial action, which followed failed negotiations between the Norwegian Air Traffic Controllers' Association and employer organization Spekter, affects control centers in Røyken, Flesland, Gardermoen, and Stavanger.

“

The strike will have major consequences throughout the weekend.

Avinor Air Navigation Services has analyzed the potential impact, predicting widespread delays and cancellations in the initial four days of the strike. "The strike will have major consequences throughout the weekend," stated Jon Gunnar Pedersen, executive vice president of Avinor Air Navigation Services.

For affected travelers, the primary advice is to contact their airline directly. Travel insurance policies typically do not cover strike-related disruptions. "Insurance does not cover refunds for flight tickets or other expenses related to strikes, or for flights the airline itself cancels," explained Therese Hofstad-Nielsen from insurance company Fremtind. "Customers must contact the airline if their flight is canceled due to the strike."

“

Insurance does not cover refunds for flight tickets or other expenses related to strikes, or for flights the airline itself cancels. Customers must contact the airline if their flight is canceled due to the strike.

Consumer affairs lawyer Nora Wennberg Gløersen from the Consumer Council offers further guidance. She stresses the importance of not canceling travel arrangements independently, as doing so can forfeit rights to rebooking or refunds. Travelers should assume their flight will proceed as normal until officially notified otherwise. Gløersen also confirmed that if a strike causes overnight delays, airlines are obligated to cover necessary food and accommodation expenses.

“

If the flight appears likely to be affected by the strike, it is important that you do not cancel the trip yourself. If you cancel yourself, you lose important rights, such as rebooking and refunds.