Leeds Bradford Airport will shut down for two days this month as nearly 130 workers walk out over a pay dispute, forcing all flights to be disrupted. The industrial action, involving Unite members, will take place from Friday 16 October to Sunday 18 October, leaving no staff in the terminal to assist passengers.
Who is striking and why
Striking workers include air traffic control staff, customer experience employees, security staff and cleaners. The dispute follows the end of a four-year pay deal, with some departments falling behind equivalent roles at other airports. Pay talks began in December 2025, but the airport's formal offer has not addressed the lack of pay parity.
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."
Airport finances and ownership
Leeds Bradford Airport reported a turnover of £61.5m for the year ending 31 March 2025, up 14% from £54m the previous year, its highest ever level. In May, Spanish company AENA acquired a 51% majority stake as part of a £270m holding company deal. The airport expects to welcome 4.5 million passengers this year.
Impact of the strike
Strikes will run from 03:00 on Friday 16 October to 06:00 on Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff, and from 06:00 on Friday to 06:00 on Sunday for air traffic control workers. Without air traffic control, no flights can operate, and with no passport control or terminal staff, passengers cannot depart or arrive.
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."
