Worried about the UK airport strikes? Here's everything we know so far.
The past few years have seen repeated travel chaos as airlines, airports and rail services across the UK struggle to manage the demand. In 2024, many travellers' adventures were affected by a series of strikes by Border Force workers over pay and working conditions. However, airports such as Heathrow did turn to contingency plans, avoiding several challenges.
While staff numbers have steadily increased to cope with demand, the cost of living crisis – primarily driven by inflation and unforeseen multi-industry price hikes stemming from global and political issues – is the main reason for the latest wave of walkouts.
Here’s what we know so far about the UK airport strikes set to affect the Christmas travel period in the UK, how they may affect your journey, and what you can do to ease pre-holiday stress.
When are the Luton Airport strikes?
Travellers expecting to get away over the festive season are set to be affected by a series of walkouts from DHL check-in and baggage handling staff over December. Around 200 workers, who are outsourced to easyJet by DHL and are all members of trade union Unite, are taking action after rejecting the company’s latest offer of a 4.5 per cent pay rise.
Strikes by DHL workers at Luton will take place from 3am on Friday 19 December to 3am Monday 22 December, then from 3am on Boxing Day, Friday 26 December to 3am on Monday 29 December.
A considerable number of flights are set to be affected if there is no resolution, from 71 flights on Friday 19 December to a total of 74 flights on Sunday 28 December alone.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “DHL and easyJet can comfortably afford to offer these workers an above-inflation pay rise. It is shameful that hardworking members can't afford the basics and they are paid less than their counterparts. These companies must stop putting profits over people and come back to the table with a fair pay offer to avoid this disruptive strike, which is entirely of their making."
Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said: "We know passengers set to fly easyJet from Luton on these dates will be concerned, but the dispute is entirely the fault of DHL, who can well afford to pay these workers a wage they can live on but are choosing not to. Strike action could still be avoided, but that now hinges on DHL returning to negotiations with an offer that is acceptable to our members."
When are the Heathrow Airport strikes?
More than 130 members of Scandinavian Airlines Services cabin crew are set to walk out between Monday 22 December and Wednesday 24 December, and on Friday 26 December, affecting flights between Heathrow and Scandinavia. According to trade union Unite, this is a result of the company's lack of a decent pay offer that’s forcing cabin crew to turn to food banks when landing in Scandinavia, as they cannot afford meals before flying back home to the UK.
Unit’s general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Scandinavian Airlines publicly praise their cabin crew yet in private it is cynically trying to short-change them. This is totally unacceptable when the airline depends on their expertise and passengers rely on them for safety. Cabin crew not eating correctly or sleeping properly because of poverty wages. Unite will be fully supporting its members throughout this dispute.”
Which airlines are striking?
The strikes at Luton Airport are affecting EasyJet flights.
Will my flight be cancelled due to the strikes?
It's always possible, but airports implement as many measures as possible to avoid disruption. The 2023 Heathrow strikes, for example, were cancelled, and the transport hub's CEO, John Holland-Kaye, announced that even when walkouts are planned, he did not anticipate any flight delays or cancellations. It is unclear whether flights will be cancelled or delayed during the Easter strikes, but here's hoping that Gatwick has worked to create similar contingency plans.
If your flight is cancelled, check out some of our tips on what to do – including rebookings and how to get compensation.
How early should I get to the airport during strikes?
If you find yourself travelling during a UK airport strike, it is best to check the airport website for advice on how early you should arrive before your departure.
The office guidance from Gatwick Airport is as follows:
"Check your ticket or contact your airline for specific advice on checking-in times. The following times serve as a general guide and generally we recommend you arrive at least two hours before your flight to allow plenty of time.
- Long-haul flights: check-in opens around three hours before your scheduled departure
- European flights: check-in three hours before your scheduled departure
- UK and Ireland flights: check-in two hours before your scheduled departure
We recommend that you check with your airline for specific check-in times, as these may vary."
Editor at large at The Points Guy UK Nicky Kelvin also advises checking your flight weeks and days before departure to ensure they haven't been cancelled at the last minute. He says, “There are a number of websites which help with this, including FlightRadar24, which will allow passengers to locate their aircraft and where it is located into the run-up to their departure. X, formerly Twitter, is also a great resource to see what it’s like live on the ground in the airport and get a heads up on huge queues the situation develops.”
Planning on arriving early or don’t have a suitcase to check in? Many of the UK’s major airports have lounges – settle in for a couple of hours and enjoy complimentary meals, snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.