Strike action to hit major UK airport for two days this month

Leeds Bradford airport is set to shut down for two days this month as 130 workers strike over pay.

Members of the Unite union, including air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners, are set to walk out from 16 to 18 October.

Staff paid by the hour will strike from 3am Friday to 6am Sunday, with air traffic control workers taking industrial action from 6am.

Without air traffic control workers, flights will be grounded with no departures or arrivals from the aviation hub.

According to Unite, workers involved in the dispute have been in pay talks since December 2025.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Leeds Bradford airport is very profitable and can more than afford to come back to the table with an offer that doesn't fall short of our members' expectations.

“Our hardworking members should not be paid less than those doing the same jobs at other airports. Workers taking action at Leeds Bradford airport have Unite's full support in their fight for fairer pay.”

Leeds Bradford airport is expected to handle around 4.5 million passengers this year.

Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: “We know people who have flights planned to and from Leeds Bradford airport will be concerned to hear of industrial action; however, our members have no choice but to strike.

“The airport is profitable, passenger numbers are growing, and our members are a major part of its success. They deserve a fair pay rise, and management must come back to the table to deliver this.”

Leeds Bradford airport said in a statement that it respects “the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action”.

The airport added: “However, we are disappointed by this and do not believe strike action is the right way to resolve the issues still under discussion.

“The airport has made what we believe is a fair and responsible offer that is significantly above inflation and reflects both current economic conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.”

Leeds Bradford said that its priority is to “minimise disruption for customers”, adding that it anticipates “running near-normal operations during the period”.

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