'Our members have no choice': Leeds Bradford Airport faces ‘standstill’ as 130 workers set to strike

More than 100 workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are set to take industrial action as Unite warns the airport will be brought to a “standstill”.

Around 130 members of Unite are set to take three days of industrial action over pay next weekend (October 16-18), with air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners among those walking out.

Workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, and Unite claims some departments have fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.

It added that pay talks have been ongoing since December 2025, but that LBA’s formal offer is “not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity”.

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."

The union added that the airport’s reported turnover was up 14 per cent year-on-year, as the airport is on course to handle around 4.5 million passengers this year.

Strikes will take place from 3am on Friday, October 16, to 6am on Sunday, October 18, for hourly paid staff, while air traffic controllers are striking from 6am on Friday to 6am on Sunday.

Leeds Bradford Airport said its priority is to minimise disruption for passengers and anticipates running “near-normal” operations during the strike period.

The union on the other hand said the industrial action could cause the airport to shut down, as no flights will be able to fly in or out of the airport without air traffic control, and nobody would be able to depart or arrive without passport control.

There would also be nobody at the terminal to assist passengers.

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.

"The airport is profitable, passenger numbers are growing and our members are a major part of its success. They deserve a fair pay rise, and management must come back to the table to deliver this."

A Leeds Bradford Airport spokesperson said: “We respect the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action. However, we are disappointed by this and do not believe strike action is the right way to resolve the issues still under discussion.”

“The airport has made what we believe is a fair and responsible offer that is significantly above inflation and reflects both current economic conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.

“Our priority now is to minimise disruption for customers, many of whom have worked hard and saved for important holidays, family visits and business travel. At this stage we anticipate running near-normal operations during the period.

“We remain committed to constructive dialogue with Unite and would welcome continued discussions aimed at reaching a resolution.”