A major European airline has been forced to cancel hundreds of flights in the run-up to Christmas, blaming strike action.

Finnish flag carrier Finnair has grounded some 300 flights as pilots confirmed walkouts on December 9 and 13, 2024. 

Around 30 flights to and from the UK are among those scrapped, potentially impacting thousands of Brits, The Mirror reports.

The industrial action is also expected to impact individual flights in the days before and after the announced strike days.

Finnair COO Jaakko Schildt said: "We’re disappointed that the pilots’ association has chosen to strike instead of continuing negotiations.

"This disrupts holiday travel for thousands of customers during the pre-Christmas period. We’re working hard to serve our customers in this challenging situation and will provide alternative flights wherever possible," he added.

The carrier is set to scrap around 140 flights on December 9 and 150 on December 13, according to the outlet, and is sending cancellation notices to affected customers.

Information on alternative flight arrangements via their Manage booking service and mobile app is also being provided, where possible.

Passengers have been urged to get in touch with the customer service line or their travel agent for a refund if a satisfactory replacement journey can't be arranged.

Mr Schildt added: "We deeply regret the uncertainty and disruption this causes our customers. Rearranging flights for thousands of passengers takes time, and our customer service will experience high call volumes this weekend. 

"We ask for patience as our team works diligently to help customers maintain their travel plans despite these circumstances."

Customers should keep an eye on their email and and check the airlines website for the latest updates, and only ring customer service within 72 hours of their flight as it will be dealing with large numbers of calls.

According to The Civil Aviation Authority: "If it wasn’t the airline’s fault, don’t expect to receive any compensation. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation."

However, the carrier is obligated to offer some support regardless of the reason for the delay, including setting up alternate flights and in some cases accomodation.

If the airlines fails to arrange an alternative flight you can demand a replacement flight with another carrier. You can find out more about carriers' requirements when flights are cancelled or delayed from Citizens Advice here.

Express.co.uk has contacted the Finnish Air Line Pilots’ Association for comment.