Passengers entitled to compensation in case of strike SAS pilots

Today, on Friday 26 April 2019, the Scandinavian airline SAS has cancelled hundreds of flights due to a strike by pilots in Sweden, Denmark and Norway. As a result of the strike, more than 600 flights will not depart and the travel plans of approximately 72,000 passengers will be disrupted.

Wage conflict between SAS and pilots

The pilots and the Scandinavian airline SAS are arguing about a salary increase, because the pilots are seeking a 15 percent increase in their wages. SAS indicates that it cannot bear the costs of this and still hopes to reach a new agreement with the pilots.

Right to compensation in the event of a strike

Was your flight cancelled by SAS because of the pilot strike? Then you may be entitled to compensation up to €600 per person. A pilots’ strike cannot be considered an extraordinary circumstance, because it lies within the control of the airline. In addition to the compensation, as a passenger you are also entitled to care and a replacement flight in accordance with Regulation 261/2004.