SAS cabin crew strike threatens Norway's summer flight schedule

Cabin crew at Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) in Norway are set to strike from 04:00 on Saturday, 8 August, after union members rejected a new wage and working‑conditions proposal. The Fellesforbundet and Parat unions, representing about 500‑750 cabin staff, are preparing for the walk‑out, while SAS and the airline employers’ association NHO Luftfart are holding negotiations at the Riksmekleren mediation centre. Union leader Martinus Røkkum said a clear offer is needed to avoid the strike.

If the strike proceeds, flights operated by the main SAS brand could be disrupted, but services run by SAS Connect and SAS Link are expected to continue as normal. Certain routes, such as medical evacuations to Longyearbyen, are exempt. Analysts warn that a strike during the peak summer travel period could be costly for the airline, with many passengers facing rebookings and cancellations. The dispute centres on low wages compared with rival carriers, unpredictable schedules and the need for better work‑life balance for cabin crew.