As the May half-term holiday approaches, Gatwick Airport is bracing for fresh disruption due to planned strikes by baggage handlers, check-in staff, flight dispatchers, and refuel workers.
This new wave of industrial action is set to impact airlines including Delta, TAP Air Portugal, Norwegian Airlines, and Air Peace, causing significant delays and cancellations that could leave thousands of holidaymakers stranded or facing travel chaos.
When are the Gatwick strikes?
The strikes are organised by Unite, representing employees of two subcontractors at Gatwick:
- Red Handling workers, who provide flight dispatchers, baggage handlers, and check-in staff for Norwegian, Delta, TAP, and Air Peace, will strike on May 11, 18, 25, and June 2. Passengers traveling on these days could be affected by delays or cancellations.
- Redline Oil members, responsible for refuelling aircraft, will take industrial action from May 16 to May 20 and again from May 23 to May 27. These workers perform essential tasks ensuring planes have the necessary fuel for flights, so their strike is likely to cause further operational disruptions.
Why are they striking?
The dispute revolves around pay, working conditions, and pension issues. Red Handling employees have reported missing or incorrect pension payments and late wages, sometimes delayed by up to two weeks, causing financial strain. Additionally, staff have raised concerns about insufficient breaks between shifts. Redline workers rejected a pay offer of 3.5% over two years, prompting their strike action.
How to plan your travel during the Gatwick strikes
The timing of the strikes coincides with one of the busiest travel periods, the May half-term holiday, traditionally popular with families and holidaymakers.
Airlines affected include Norwegian, Delta, TAP, and Air Peace, with potential for flight delays, cancellations, long check-in queues, and baggage handling issues.
Passengers are advised to:
- Check flight status regularly with their airlines.
- Arrive at the airport well in advance.
- Consider traveling with carry-on luggage only.
- Prepare for possible delays or cancellations and have contingency plans in place.
Travellers flying through Gatwick in May and June should monitor updates closely and plan accordingly to navigate the expected strike-related disruptions.