Finnair has grounded dozens of flights this week due to a rare maintenance mishap, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The issue, which arose from an improperly cleaned aircraft seat cover, has caused widespread disruption, including significant cancellations and delays. As many as 10,000 passengers were affected by these cancellations, prompting questions over airline responsibility and compensation rights.
Unusual Maintenance Issue Disrupts Finnair Operations
The problem started when Finnair was informed by the manufacturer of its seat covers that the cleaning method used—water washing—was improperly tested for its impact on fire protection. This triggered the grounding of several Airbus A321 aircraft, which are central to the airline’s fleet. As a result, more than 40 flights were cancelled between October 13 and 14, followed by another 18 services grounded later in the week. The disruptions have been compounded by the airline’s efforts to swap aircraft types, which has led to further overbooking and delays.
The airline swiftly acknowledged the issue, emphasising its commitment to passenger safety and announcing that it would follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions to resolve the problem. A Finnair spokesperson confirmed that between October 13 and 17, several flights would continue to be impacted, with further cancellations likely. Passengers who had booked tickets during this period were left scrambling for alternative flights, with many having to deal with the added stress of overbooked services.
Passenger Rights and Compensation Amid Cancellations
For the affected passengers, the key question remains: what compensation are they entitled to? According to Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, passengers impacted by the cancellations could be entitled to compensation of up to £520, as specified by UK and EU regulations (UK261 and EU261). This applies to operational errors, like the one caused by the seat cleaning mishap, which fall within the airline’s control.
In addition to monetary compensation, affected passengers are also entitled to support during delays. Those facing delays of more than two hours should receive food and drink vouchers. If flights are delayed until the following day, the airline must provide overnight accommodation. Passengers who had their flights cancelled can either request a full refund or be rebooked on an alternative flight—potentially with another carrier, if necessary.
The cancellations have sparked frustration among business travellers and holidaymakers alike. With over 10,000 passengers affected, it highlights the challenges airlines face when dealing with unforeseen maintenance problems. However, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of strict safety standards and the potential financial implications for passengers when airlines fail to meet them.
