At the weekend, the holiday rush starts in full swing. Many will go out and fly, on what will be one of the year’s biggest departure weekends at Norwegian airports. On Friday, up to 92,000 passengers travel from Gardermoen, while 47,000 fly from Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim, according to recent forecasts from Avinor. There could be major delays At the same time, the challenges are waiting in line for European aviation. Among other things, a strike has been announced among air traffic controllers at French airports. – If that happens, air traffic over France will be greatly reduced. This could lead to major delays, which could also affect air traffic in Norway, says Airport Director at Oslo Airport Gardermoen, Stine Ramstad Westby. Airport director at Oslo Airport Gardermoen, Stine Ramstad Westby. Photo: Avinor Earlier in June, security personnel at Heathrow airport in London also announced a strike throughout the summer. This has been canceled for the time being, but the situation is still unclear. – A strike among security controllers or air traffic controllers could mean that you either do not reach your flight, or that it does not leave at the planned time, says Westby. Low staffing in some places Several airports in Europe are also experiencing staffing problems. – This caused major problems last year. The situation is better this year, but in some places you will be able to experience challenges related to this, says Westby. She encourages the travelers to follow the plans, but also to be prepared that various problems may arise along the way. – It is wise to be prepared that not everything goes as planned. Aviation is very international, and air traffic is connected from one country to another, says Westby. Keep the most important possessions in your hand luggage Last year’s summer season was marked by luggage problems at many of the largest airports in Europe. – We are prepared for similar problems this season, but still expect the situation to improve this year, says operations director at Oslo Airport Gardermoen, Fredrik Nygaard. He encourages travelers to carry their most important possessions with them in their hand luggage. Director of Operations at Oslo Airport Gardermoen, Fredrik Nygaard. Photo: Astri Husø – For example, medicines, keys and documents. It is also a good idea to bring an extra shift, says Nygaard. Because many people are traveling this summer, there can also be some queues at the airports. – Allow a little extra time for check-in. Feel free to use the self-service machines to save time. If you are going out of the Schengen area, you should also allow plenty of time for passport control, says Nygaard. You are entitled to this If your flight is cancelled, according to the Consumer Council, you have the right to be booked as soon as possible. – This may include tickets with other airlines. Sometimes you have to wait until the next day, and then you are entitled to free hotel accommodation, food and drink. If the accommodation is not at the airport, you are also entitled to free airport transport, says senior legal adviser Thomas Iversen. Senior legal adviser at the Norwegian Consumer Council, Thomas Iversen. Photo: Erlend Dalhaug Daae / news The same applies if the flight is delayed and you lose a corresponding flight. – The airline is responsible for obtaining new tickets so that you reach your destination as quickly as possible. It can still be difficult to find a place for the most popular destinations in the high season, which often leads to a bit of a wait, says Iversen. If your luggage is damaged or does not arrive at all, you must report it at the airport. – Take good care of the documentation that you have registered, the so-called PIR number. You have the right to buy the things you need while waiting for your luggage. Baggage that is not returned within 21 days is considered lost. Then you are basically entitled to compensation of up to NOK 18,000, says Iversen.
ttn-69
Strike notice and staffing problems create uncertainty for air traffic in Europe – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
