Norway’s Air Traffic Controllers end strike after collective agreement reached

Norwegian air traffic controllers returned to work on Monday, August 24, 2026, after reaching a collective agreement
Over 150 flights were cancelled during the weekend strike from Friday to Monday morning
Oslo Gardermoen Airport suspended ordinary flights for five hours on Sunday
Hundreds of passengers slept at Bergen Airport due to full hotel capacity
The dispute focused on working conditions and rest breaks, not salary increases

Norwegian air traffic controllers have been returning to work this week after the Norwegian Air Traffic Controllers Association finalised a collective agreement with employer groups Spekter and Avinor AS on Monday, August 24, 2026. Airport operator Avinor has confirmed that the strike action has officially ceased, with air traffic across the country now returning to standard operating levels. The disruption that began on Friday, August 21, caused substantial travel difficulties throughout the weekend, with over 150 flights cancelled during the dispute.

Oslo Gardermoen Airport, Norway’s busiest aviation hub, experienced a complete suspension of ordinary flights for five hours on Sunday morning as a direct consequence of the industrial action. The suspension forced the cancellation of flights to and from Dublin airport.

Hundreds of travellers found themselves stranded inside Bergen Airport’s terminal after local hotels reached full capacity, while disruptions heavily impacted operations at Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and the Røyken Control Centre. The union clarified that the strike did not concern salary, with controllers having turned down an offer of approximately NOK 62,000 annual pay increase before walking out, focusing instead on working conditions including shift schedules and guaranteed rest breaks.

Airlines continue working to reposition aircraft and flight crews after the disruption, with passengers advised to check flight status directly with carriers including SAS, Widerøe and Norwegian Air Shuttle before travelling to airports. The agreement reached on Monday has allowed the aviation sector to begin normalising operations after the weekend’s disruption, though some residual delays may persist as the system resets. Travelers with affected bookings should consult their airline for rebooking options and potential compensation entitlements.

Karl Erik Nielsen, spokesperson for the Norwegian Air Traffic Controllers Association, shared: “Our members have secured improvements to working conditions that will ensure better shift scheduling and guaranteed rest periods going forward.”

Avinor operations director Ingrid Solberg shared: “We are pleased that a resolution has been reached and are working to restore full flight schedules as quickly as possible.”

Transport minister Jon-Ivar Nygård shared: “The government welcomes the agreement and recognises the important role air traffic controllers play in maintaining Norway’s aviation infrastructure.”