Scotland’s peak holiday season could be thrown into chaos later this month as Glasgow Airport staff gear up for a 48-hour strike, threatening to ground thousands of family getaways.
Bitter Pay Dispute Boils Over
The planned walkout, set for July 24–26, comes after months of fraught negotiations between workers and the airport’s new owner, AviAlliance. About 100 staff — including airport ambassadors, engineers, managers, and airside support — are turning up the heat for an above-inflation pay deal.
They’ve already rejected a 4% pay offer, calling it out of step with the rising cost of living.
Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, didn’t mince her words: “Summer strike action is now inevitable unless Glasgow Airport’s new owners come to their senses.”
30,000 Travellers Daily on Edge
If you’re planning to jet off from Glasgow during the strike, brace yourself. On a normal July day, about 30,000 passengers pour through the terminal. A two-day strike could mean:
-
Long queues at check-in and security
-
Delayed or cancelled flights
-
Frayed tempers from holidaymakers with nowhere to go
AviAlliance has said it’ll roll out contingency plans to keep passengers moving. But what that looks like — and how well it works — is anyone’s guess.
Who’s Walking Out and Why?
It’s not just baggage handlers or ground crew this time. The strike involves a wider swathe of frontline workers:
• Airport ambassadors who help confused travellers
• Engineers who keep the runways and terminals ticking
• Managers caught in the middle of it all
The row began when staff, many of whom stayed on the job through pandemic travel bans, were offered a 4% raise — less than current inflation levels in the UK.
A Unite representative said employees feel “undervalued” after years of keeping operations afloat. And with other unions watching, this could set a wider tone for summer industrial action.
Contingency Plans on Standby
No one wants scenes of stranded families sleeping on terminal floors. So bosses say they’ll activate backup measures. That might mean bringing in non-striking staff, cutting some services, or even drafting in temporary workers.
But unions argue that trained airport staff can’t be replaced overnight. And it’s not just about manning the gates — engineers and support crews play crucial safety roles too.
One insider said that while flights may still operate, the experience “won’t be pretty.”
How Other Airports Might Be Affected
For now, this is just Glasgow. But with similar disputes simmering at other UK airports, there’s a chance more walkouts could follow.
Airports like Edinburgh and Aberdeen are watching closely — they have their own staffing crunches, and unions see an opportunity to push for better deals during the lucrative summer rush.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s at stake:
| Airport | Daily Passengers | Planned Strike Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Glasgow Airport | ~30,000 | July 24–26 |
| Edinburgh Airport | ~40,000 | None announced yet |
| Aberdeen Airport | ~7,000 | None announced yet |
Families trying to get away for that long-awaited break could be caught in the crossfire.
The Battle Over Fair Pay
For many workers, this strike is about more than just a few extra pounds in the paycheck. It’s about recognition. Many feel the airport’s new ownership hasn’t done enough to reward staff loyalty and the hard shifts during COVID lockdowns.
In a statement, Unite’s Sharon Graham doubled down: “Our members deserve pay rises that keep up with the cost of living. If management wants a smooth summer, they know what to do.”
AviAlliance, meanwhile, maintains its offer is fair and competitive for the industry.
