Gatwick Airport strikes: When will they take place and will flights be cancelled?

Unite union has announced that 300 security and passenger services staff at Gatwick Airport will strike for six days this month.

Unite warned that the strikes would inevitably cause “significant disruption” to security checkpoints and passenger services.

The strikes come amid air traffic control problems and the bankruptcy of several travel agencies in the UK.

A Gatwick spokesperson said the airport was “working with our suppliers to avoid any impact and we expect to operate a normal summer holiday flight schedule for our airlines and passengers on these dates”.

The representative added: “Of course, we hope that Wilson James, ICTS and their union can reach a resolution before that date.”

Here’s what you need to know about the strikes, including when they’re planned, who’s affected and why.

When are the strikes at Gatwick Airport?

Gatwick strikes planned for July 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21.

Around 100 baggage security officers employed by ICTS (International Consultants on Targeted Security) and 200 Wilson James workers who provide special assistance services to vulnerable passengers will be on strike.

Why are they going to strike?

The workers, who earn just over minimum wage, will go on strike over a wage dispute.

They rejected the wage offers and suggested they could strike again if the dispute is not resolved.

“These workers are carrying out extremely demanding jobs at one of the UK’s busiest airports and they are simply looking for a fair daily wage,” said Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary.

“ICTS and Wilson James are wealthy companies and can afford to pay decent wages. Our members at Gatwick have the full support of Unite in taking strike action for a decent pay rise.”

Dominic Rothwell, Unite regional officer, said: “These disputes could be easily resolved if reasonable offers were made. There is still time to avoid industrial action, but this will require these companies to offer deals acceptable to our members.”

Will flights be cancelled?

Although strikes are likely to cause significant disruption, they are more likely to cause delays in passenger check-in, rather than resulting in cancellations.

However, this is uncertain and passengers are advised to keep an eye on the latest travel information provided by the airport and their airline.