Norwich Airport has confirmed it will be temporarily closed on Friday, August 21, due to ongoing industrial action involving air traffic control staff. The airport announced the closure on social media, urging passengers to check with their airline before travelling.
Closure Details and Impact
The airport will be closed to air traffic between 8am and 1pm tomorrow. The disruption stems from industrial action, short of a strike, by members of the Prospect union in Air Traffic Control. The airport apologised for any inconvenience caused.
In a statement titled 'Industrial Action - Important passenger update - Friday 21 August', the airport said: "Due to the ongoing industrial action, short of a strike, involving Prospect union members in Air Traffic Control, Norwich Airport will be closed to air traffic between 08:00 and 13:00 tomorrow, Friday 21 August."
Passenger Advice and Ongoing Negotiations
Passengers are advised to contact their airline for the latest flight information before heading to the airport. The statement added: "Airlines have been informed of the closure. Passengers should check with their airline for the latest information about their flight before travelling to the airport. We apologise to passengers for the inconvenience this may cause."
A further statement on the airport's website noted: "The Prospect union has informed us that its Air Traffic Control members at Norwich Airport have voted in favour of industrial action, short of a strike, from 17th August in relation to pay and conditions."
Union Demands and Airport Response
Prospect members are reportedly seeking a 10 per cent pay rise, having been offered only 3 per cent. David Avery, the union's national secretary for aviation, said: "It is extremely disappointing that we have still not received an acceptable offer from Norwich Airport, which has left us with little choice but to push ahead with this industrial action."
A spokesperson for Norwich Airport responded: "It is disappointing that Prospect has chosen to announce further industrial action while negotiations to resolve the dispute are ongoing. We remain firmly committed to resolving this dispute through constructive dialogue and will continue to engage with Prospect with the aim of reaching agreement."
