Austrian Airlines: Strike Action And Travellers' Woes

Austrian Airlines staff, who are members of the vida labour union, are planning to strike over a pay dispute. The industrial action is set to take place from March 28-29, 2024, and will result in the cancellation of 400 flights and affect 50,000 passengers. This strike is expected to cause significant disruptions, with potential picket protests at airports in Austria, particularly Vienna International Airport (VIE). The airline has offered affected customers the option to rebook or refund their tickets free of charge.

Austrian Airlines staff plan to strike over pay disputes

Austrian Airlines staff are planning to strike over pay disputes, with 400 flights cancelled and 50,000 passengers affected. The industrial action is set to take place over two days, from 28-29 March 2024, with flight disruptions expected during this period. The strike is being organised by the trade union vida, with unionised flight staff demanding improved wages.

All twelve flights from Vienna to cities in the former Yugoslavia have been cancelled on 28 March, including six flights to Belgrade, four to Sarajevo and Zagreb, and one each to Dubrovnik and Split. On 29 March, further cancellations are expected, with a mix of cancellations and operating flights. One of three daily flights to Belgrade has been cancelled, while both flights to Sarajevo will go ahead. Of the two daily Zagreb flights, one has been cancelled, and the sole Pristina service has also been cancelled for that day. Austrian Airlines' Podgorica and Split rotations will operate as scheduled.

Austrian Airlines has requested that passengers check their flight status online and rebook or refund their tickets if necessary. The airline is offering extended options for passengers to rebook free of charge or receive a refund. Passengers are advised to allow additional time for travel on the affected days, particularly if travelling via Vienna International Airport (VIE).

The strike is expected to cause further disruptions to air travel, with picket protests possible at airports in Austria. Heightened security and localised transport disruptions are likely at any demonstrations that take shape. Passengers are advised to strictly follow the instructions of law enforcement officers and monitor the latest updates for any changes.

400 flights are cancelled, affecting 50,000 passengers

Austrian Airlines staff, who are members of the vida labour union, are planning to strike from 00:01 on March 28 until 12:00 on March 29, 2024. This industrial action is being taken to demand improved wages. As a result, Austrian Airlines has cancelled 400 flights, affecting 50,000 passengers. The airline has requested that passengers check their flight status.

The strike will impact flights from Vienna to cities in the former Yugoslavia, including Belgrade, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Pristina, Skopje, Podgorica, Dubrovnik, and Split. On Thursday, all twelve flights to these cities have been cancelled. On Friday, one of the three daily flights from Vienna to Belgrade has been cancelled, as have the Pristina and Skopje services. Austrian Airlines will still operate its two flights to Sarajevo and its Podgorica and Split rotations.

The airline has offered travellers the option to rebook free of charge or to receive a refund. Passengers can use the Austrian Chat Assistant to check their refund amount and process it, or they can use the link provided by the airline to request a refund. If passengers have booked through a tour operator or travel agent, they can contact them directly.

In addition to flight cancellations, further disruptions are likely during and after the strike. Picket protests may also take place at airports in Austria, particularly Vienna International Airport (VIE). Therefore, travellers have been advised to allow additional time for air travel on the affected days and to strictly follow the instructions of law enforcement officers.

The strike is planned to last for 36 hours

Austrian Airlines staff, who are members of the vida labour union, are planning to strike for 36 hours from 12:00 a.m. on March 28 until 12:00 p.m. on March 29, 2024. The industrial action is a result of a pay dispute, with staff demanding improved wages. The strike will impact 400 flights and approximately 50,000 passengers.

During the 36-hour strike period, Austrian Airlines was scheduled to operate 24 flights from Vienna to cities within the former Yugoslavia, including Belgrade, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Pristina, Skopje, Podgorica, Dubrovnik, and Split. Due to the strike, all twelve flights from Vienna to these cities have been cancelled on Thursday, March 28. On Friday, March 29, some flights will operate as scheduled, while others have been cancelled.

Austrian Airlines has recommended that passengers check the status of their flight before departure and has offered travellers the option to rebook free of charge or receive a refund for their tickets. The airline also advises that flight disruptions may continue in the hours after the strike ends as they work to reposition flight stock.

Picket protests are also possible at airports in Austria, particularly Vienna International Airport (VIE). If demonstrations occur, heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely. Passengers with travel planned for March 28-29 are advised to reconfirm their travel plans and allow additional time for air travel.

Austrian Airlines offers refunds and rebooking options to passengers

Austrian Airlines has had to cancel 400 flights due to a strike by its flight crew, which is expected to last from 28 March 2024, 12:00 a.m. to 29 March 2024, 12:00 p.m. The industrial action is a result of a pay dispute, impacting 50,000 passengers. The airline has offered refunds and rebooking options to passengers affected by the strike.

Refunds

Austrian Airlines is offering refunds to passengers whose flights have been cancelled. Refunds can be processed quickly and easily through the Austrian Airlines Help Center or by using the Austrian Chat Assistant. Passengers can also request a refund by phone or email, although it is recommended that passengers do not submit their refund request multiple times as this may cause delays. If a ticket has not been used, the full ticket price, including taxes and fees, will be refunded to the original method of payment. For partially used tickets, the unused portion of the fare value, taxes, and fees will be calculated and refunded on a pro-rata basis.

Rebooking

Austrian Airlines is also offering rebooking options to affected passengers. The airline will automatically rebook passengers on alternative flights to the same destination and in the same travel class, free of charge. If a suitable alternative flight is not available or the proposed rebooking does not fit the passenger's plans, they can choose an alternative flight themselves, also free of charge. This can be done through the Austrian Chat Assistant, the "My Bookings" section of the Austrian Airlines website, or by contacting the tour operator or travel agent directly if the booking was made through them.

Other Options

In cases where there are no alternative flights available, Austrian Airlines is offering passengers the option to convert their flight ticket into a rail ticket for Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) on certain routes, free of charge. This option can be requested at one of the airline's Service Centers. Additionally, passengers whose flights are delayed or cancelled are entitled to a meal voucher, which can be redeemed at various restaurants within the airport. Furthermore, if a flight is delayed or cancelled until the following day, Austrian Airlines will arrange hotel accommodation, including meals, drinks, and transfers.

Picket protests are possible at airports in Austria

Austrian Airlines staff, who are members of the vida labour union, are planning a 36-hour strike from 28 March 12:00 a.m. until 29 March 12:00 p.m. This will result in the cancellation of 400 flights, affecting 50,000 passengers. The industrial action is a result of a pay dispute, with staff demanding improved wages.

The Austrian Airlines website provides information for passengers on last-minute rebookings, ticket refunds, and alternative transport. Passengers can use the Austrian Chat Assistant to check their rebooking and refund options. The airline will also provide compensation for delayed or cancelled flights, including meal vouchers and reimbursement for overnight hotel stays.

In addition to the upcoming March strike, Austrian Airlines has also experienced labour unrest in 2024, with Lufthansa cancelling 2,000 flights affecting 200,000 passengers due to a warning strike by ground personnel in March.

Frequently asked questions