Summer at airports can be tough. Prepare for the worst

The biggest problem for airlines is expensive fuel. According to experts, this increases the cost of flights and reduces their profitability. Some carriers may therefore limit the number of connections. Passengers should check flight status and be prepared for schedule changes.

Professor Frode Steen from NHH believes that delayed baggage could be a problem again this summer. He advises packing as much as possible in carry-on luggage for short trips. In previous years, airports have faced staff shortages and technical failures. Baggage handling issues were particularly noticeable.

Experts assess that the risk of a strike is lower in 2026. SAS pilots are subject to a no-strike agreement until next year. The situation is different for cabin crew. SAS cabin staff are conducting regular wage negotiations with the right to strike.

SAS had already canceled flights in April and May due to high fuel prices. In March, the carrier announced 1,000 canceled flights in April. In May, according to industry service Check-in based on Aeroroutes, the number could reach 1,200.

SAS reports that many changes affect high-frequency routes. In such cases, passengers can usually be rebooked on a flight the same day. However, the company does not guarantee anything for June, July, and August. They plan to assess the situation day by day.

According to Frode Steen, airlines may combine passengers on fewer flights to reduce fuel costs. However, this decision may affect customer choices. Norwegian did not cancel flights in March and launched additional flights after SAS cancellations. The expert points out that carriers who secured most of their fuel at fixed prices may have an advantage in the summer season.