Finnair strike July 2025: claim your compensation!

Flying with Finnair in July? Your plans may be at serious risk. The Finnish flag carrier is facing a wave of strikes by ground handling staff that’s set to cause the cancellation of more than 900 flights during the first week of July. If your Finnair flight is cancelled or severely delayed due to these strikes, you could be entitled to compensation under UK and EU Regulation EC 261/2004. Here's everything you need to know, and how to claim what you're owed.

Finnair strike in July 2025: flight chaos across Europe

The Finnish Aviation Union has scheduled a total of 7 strike days throughout July 2025, and they aren’t happening all at once, they’re unfolding in two separate waves spaced across the month. 

Below, you’ll find a list of affected Finnair flights. If your flight isn’t listed, don’t worry! Use our free Claim Calculator to check your eligibility.

First wave of Finnair strikes: July 2, 4, and 7

The first round of strikes kicks off early in the month and is expected to be the most disruptive. Between July 2 and July 7, Finnair is preparing to cancel around 900 flights. Why so many? Because the strikes target the airline’s critical ground operations: baggage handling, aircraft fueling, catering, and tarmac duties. These aren’t just support roles; without them, planes can’t depart safely or on time.

Second wave of Finnair strikes: July 16, 18, 21, and 23

The Finnish Aviation Union has also warned of a second wave of possible walkouts later in the month, keeping uncertainty high for travelers. The dates - July 16, 18, 21, and 23 - aren’t set in stone yet, but they’ve been flagged as potential strike days.

Why Is Finnair on strike?

The strikes are being organized by the Finnish Aviation Union, following failed collective bargaining negotiations in late June. Union leaders argue that ground staff wages have stagnated despite increasing workloads and inflation pressures.

These workers don’t fly planes, but they are essential to operations. Without them, aircraft can’t be turned around, refueled, or properly serviced, meaning flights are grounded.

This is the fourth strike escalation since June, with Finnair having already suffered disruptions on June 11, 17, and 19. Now, the July strike dates signal a much deeper labor dispute threatening the entire summer schedule.

Can I claim compensation for the Finnair strike in July 2025?

Yes, you can! Because this is an internal strike involving Finnair’s own employees, it falls under UK and EU Regulation EC 261/2004, meaning passengers are entitled to compensation. 

If your flight was cancelled and Finnair didn’t offer you an alternative, you are generally entitled to a full refund. Additionally, if you were informed about the cancellation less than 14 days before your scheduled departure, you may also qualify for compensation of up to £520 per person, depending on how far you were flying.

But it’s not only cancellations that qualify. If your flight was delayed and you arrived at your destination more than 3 hours late, you could still be eligible for compensation. Furthermore, if the disruption left you stuck away from home, Finnair must cover reasonable expenses such as hotel accommodation, meals, and transportation.

How to claim compensation for the Finnair strike?

Was your flight affected by the Finnair strikes in July 2025? File your claim quickly and easily through Flight Delayed UK! We will guide you step by step, ensuring you receive the compensation you're legally owed. We work on the basis “No win, no fee”, so we only charge a 35% fee (50% if we have to go to court) if we win your case and you receive your compensation. 

Make sure to keep all receipts and booking confirmations. These will help support your claim and ensure that you are fully reimbursed for your inconvenience!