SAS to seek compensation for Copenhagen air traffic disruptions

Copenhagen Airports A/S

08/06/2023 10:40

OSLO, June 8 (Reuters) - Scandinavian airline SAS
 SAS.CO  said on Thursday it would demand compensation for
disruptions caused by a shortage of air traffic controllers at
Copenhagen Airport, the carrier's biggest hub.
    "Over the past couple of months, air traffic control
capacity issues in Copenhagen have caused considerable problems
for airlines, airports and, not the least, our passengers," SAS
CEO Anko van der Werff said in a statement.
    "We will seek compensation for the irregularity costs caused
by the situation," he said without elaborating.
    Naviair, the company controlling air traffic in Danish
airspace, shed 46 air traffic controllers in voluntary layoffs
during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving remaining staff to take
additional paid shifts as travel later recovered.
    But Naviair controllers in late April began turning down the
extra work in a conflict over work hours, leading to delays and
cancellations.
    Norwegian Air  NAS.OL , a rival to SAS, last month also
voiced concerns over the situation in Copenhagen, adding that
this could disrupt busy summer traffic.

 (Reporting by Terje Solsvik, editing by Anna Ringstrom)
 ((terje.solsvik@thomsonreuters.com; +47 918 666 70))