October 5, 2026 — Update to our earlier coverage. The Norwegian train drivers’ strike escalated on Monday as planned. Seventy-two drivers are now out, and train operator Vy has cancelled 193 departures on Monday, 241 on Tuesday and 239 on Wednesday in eastern Norway. No talks are scheduled.
What changed
- Union: Norsk Lokomotivmannsforbund, the locomotive drivers’ union, in dispute with Vy and the employers’ body Spekter. The strike began September 18.
- Escalation: 21 more drivers walked out on Monday, October 5, most of them at Kongsvinger. The union’s total is now 72, at depots including Bergen, Moss, Lillestrøm and Ski.
- Airport express: two of the strikers work for Flytoget, the Oslo airport express. No Flytoget cancellation figure was published; impact TBA.
- Issues: predictable rosters and equal pay for equal work.
- Outlook: the union leader says members will stay out until there is an acceptable offer and that further escalation is under review. Spekter says it is open to talks. End date: TBA.
Cancellations
| Day | Departures cancelled |
|---|---|
| Monday, October 5 | 193 |
| Tuesday, October 6 | 241 |
| Wednesday, October 7 | 239 |
Worst hit is line R14 between Asker and Kongsvinger: 40 of 42 departures were cancelled Monday, and all 42 are cancelled Tuesday and Wednesday. Services between Drammen, Oslo and Lillehammer are also much reduced. Vy’s rules on refunds and replacement buses could not be opened; treat them as TBA.
What it means for airline travelers
- Check your exact train on Vy’s site or app on the day. Many departures still run, but a cancelled one can cost you a flight.
- For Oslo Airport, have a backup: the Flybussen airport coach or a taxi. Leave earlier than usual.
- Lillehammer and Kongsvinger travelers should plan on buses or a rental car this week.
- If you hold a Vy ticket for a cancelled train, ask Vy about a refund before buying another ticket.
Sources
- Klar Tale (NTB) — Disse togene går det hardest utover
- Sol.no — Flere hundre innstilte avganger: I dag trappes streiken opp
- Norsk Lokomotivmannsforbund (union) — Lokførerstreiken utvides
- VG — 72 lokførere tas ut i streik: Dette vet vi
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