25,000 travelers with tour operator Apollo are at risk of being affected by the pilot strike in the coming days. The company is now writing a letter to SAS and the pilots, asking for stricter measures.
”"Enough is enough, people's health can be affected," says communications manager Sandra Miller Kinge.
Both Ving and Apollo are looking all over the world for alternative aircraft after SAS pilots went on strike. But there are few planes that are empty.
In the coming days, Apollo has 25,000 travelers in total in the Nordic region who could be affected by the strike. Half are travelers who don't know if they will be leaving and half are people who may not get home from their destinations as planned.
”"We are looking at all possibilities. Is it possible by bus? Is it possible by boat and bus? Is it possible to get to other airports? It is extremely difficult to get flight capacity and there are only a few hopes, thanks to our skilled flight manager. We leave no one at their destination," says Apollo's communications manager Sandra Miller Kinge.
But there is also a shortage of buses. It is also difficult to get hotel rooms for stranded travelers because so many are already fully booked.
She states that Apollo is in constant contact with SAS to get updates.
”"To underline the seriousness of the situation, we have also sent a letter to the parties this morning. We think that is enough now, they must take their responsibility. This can affect people's health, it is very unfortunate that an internal conflict can have such enormous consequences," she says.
In the letter, which has gone to SAS's group management and the various pilot unions and is signed by Apollo's CEO Leif Vase Larsen, the company writes that the conflict is about to have "fatal consequences".
Apollo already has around a hundred guests stranded at their destinations. This weekend, the number is likely to increase dramatically. According to Sandra Miller Kinge, many of the guests are families with children and the elderly.
”"They are in the heat and do not have the same hotel solution, these are people whose medications may run out and who need to come home both for medications and doctor's appointments. There is a heat wave in many places. The airports are often small and lack sufficient seating. We are very concerned about the situation," she says.
Charter company Ving also does not know how many travelers will be affected. The company has 1,800 travelers, most of whom will be chartered, booked on trips this week that are flown by SAS aircraft.
Ving is also now working intensively to find alternative trips home.
”"I want to emphasize that we will never leave guests stranded at their destinations, but we will make sure they get home. However, it may take longer, you may have to stay an extra day," says Communications Manager Claes Pellvik.
This is not the first time that SAS pilots have gone on strike. But according to Claes Pellvik, this strike is happening at an especially difficult time.
”"Previous SAS strikes have typically been in the spring or early summer, when it's an easier situation. July is an unfortunate time. We're in the middle of the high season, it's the biggest travel month of the year, and it was very well booked even before," he says.
Both Apollo and Ving pay for hotels for those who do not return home and fully compensate travelers whose trips are canceled.
TT: Will you demand money from SAS for the cancellations?
”"In this situation, the focus is on taking care of the guests and making sure they don't lose money. How we resolve our issues with SAS is something we will discuss with them later," says Claes Pellvik.
