Norwegian Air Traffic Controller Strike Disrupts Travel, Closes Oslo Airport
Major disruptions are plaguing travelers flying through Scandinavia this Sunday, August 23, 2026. A strike by Norwegian air traffic controllers has entered its third day with no resolution in sight. Oslo Airport Gardermoen, the country’s busiest hub, is scheduled to halt all air traffic operations between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. local time today, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
The strike commenced on Friday, August 21, following seven hours of overtime mediation talks. The Norwegian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NFF) and employer group Spekter — representing state-owned airport operator Avinor — failed to agree on wages, working schedules, rest periods, and instructor training rules. The initial walkout involved twelve controllers at four key locations:
- Oslo Gardermoen
- Bergen Flesland
- Stavanger Airport
- Røyken air traffic control center
FlightAware data reveals that Oslo Airport recorded 154 delays and 11 cancellations on Friday alone, while Bergen Airport logged 21 delays and two cancellations. Major carriers SAS, Widerøe, and Norwegian Air Shuttle were the most impacted. Hundreds of passengers were left stranded at Bergen Airport on Saturday night.
The strike is officially slated to continue through Monday, August 24, with the potential for further escalation. According to EU passenger rights rules, air traffic controller strikes are classified as extraordinary circumstances, exempting airlines from paying financial compensation to affected passengers. Travelers are advised to check with their airline for the latest updates before heading to the airport.
Source: Travel Market Report – Air Traffic Controller Strike Triggers Flight Cancellations Across Norway