Leeds Bradford Airport may ‘shutdown for two days subsequent week ‘as strike motion introduced
Leeds Bradford Airport could be set to be shut next weekend from Friday morning as almost 130 workers are expected to walk out in a dispute over pay, Unite warns
A major UK airport could face closure after reports of strike action (file)(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Leeds Bradford Airport could face closure during a weekend of strike action next week over pay disputes. Nearly 130 workers at the airport are set to down tools in a row which Unite warns could bring all flights to and from the airport to a complete halt.
The striking workers include air traffic control personnel, customer experience teams, security staff and cleaners. However, Leeds Bradford Airport said it anticipates running “near-normal” operations during the strike period, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The union says members have just emerged from a four-year pay agreement and some positions are now earning less than comparable roles at rival airports.
Around 130 staff at Leeds Bradford Airport are expected to strike (file)(Image: franckreporter via Getty Images)
Pay negotiations have been ongoing since December 2025, but Unite claims the airport’s most recent formal proposal falls short of addressing what it calls a serious lack of pay equality.
The initial walkout is scheduled to commence at 3am on Friday, October 16 for hourly-paid employees and at 6am for air traffic control personnel. The industrial action is planned to run until 6am on Sunday, October 18.
Unite warns the strike will effectively force the airport to close because aircraft cannot take off or land without air traffic control.
While travellers would also be unable to arrive or leave without passport control and terminal staff, reports Leeds Live.
Despite the strike, Leeds Bradford Airport said it anticipates running ‘near-normal’ operations(Image: Getty Images)
The row unfolds as Leeds Bradford Airport continues to enjoy robust passenger figures. The airport posted a turnover of £61.5m for the year ending March 31, 2025, rising from £54m the year before.
The airport is also set to cater to around 4.5 million passengers this year, with popular destinations such as Alicante, Tenerife and Antalya among its routes.
In May, Spanish airport operator AENA acquired a 51 per cent majority stake in Leeds Bradford Airport as part of a £270m holding company transaction.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham stated: “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 said passengers with flights booked during the planned strike would understandably be worried.
He stated: “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: “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.”
