Almost 130 air traffic control, customer experience, security and cleaning workers are set to strike at Leeds Bradford Airport this month over pay.
The industrial action will take place from 3am on Friday 16 October to 6am on Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff, while air traffic control workers will walk out from 6am on Friday 16 October to 6am Sunday 18 October.
Union Unite said no flights would be able to operate without air traffic control, and passengers would be unable to depart or arrive without passport control. It added there would also be no staff in the terminal to assist passengers.
The union said it has been in pay negotiations since December 2025 after the workers came to the end of a four-year pay deal, but the airport’s formal offer did not go far enough to address the lack of pay parity.
Unite also highlighted the airport’s financial performance, with turnover rising to £61.5 million for the year ending 31 March 2025, up from £54m the previous year.
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.”
Unite Regional Officer Neil Whitaker added: “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.”
A Leeds Bradford Airport spokesperson said: “Leeds Bradford Airport acknowledges the proposed industrial action due to take place between 16-18 October involving a group of operational colleagues.
“We respect the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action. 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.
“Our priority now is to minimise disruption for customers, many of whom have worked hard and saved for important holidays, family visits and business travel. At this stage we anticipate running near-normal operations during the period.
“Leeds Bradford Airport plays a vital role in connecting Yorkshire to the world. Industrial action has the potential to cause inconvenience for thousands of customers and local businesses who rely on those connections.
“We remain committed to constructive dialogue with Unite and would welcome continued discussions aimed at reaching a resolution.
“It is important to recognise that any profits generated by Leeds Bradford Airport are reinvested back into the airport and has been for a number of years. Those funds support improvements to facilities, infrastructure, operations and customer experience including the ongoing LBA:REGEN project which saw the opening of a new central search zone and staff welfare facilities this week.
“Our focus remains on serving Yorkshire, supporting our colleagues and maintaining safe airport operations.”
