These guidelines take into account the time before departure that check-in desks open. Standing around waiting is not encouraged in a bustling airport terminal, but arriving early to avoid any issues with parking or check-in desk changes helps the process.

Planning on arriving early or don’t have a suitcase to check in? Many of the UK’s major airports have lounges – settle in for a couple of hours and enjoy complimentary meals, snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

What are the Heathrow airport strike dates?

More than 1,400 security guards voted for strike action, which begins on Friday 31 March and ends on Sunday 9 April (Easter Sunday) 2023.

Heathrow Airport strikes are most likely to cause some travel disruption over the coming months due to 10 days of action from workers employed by Heathrow Airports Ltd.

The planned action involves guards employed at Heathrow’s Terminal Five which is used exclusively by British Airways. As a result, British Airways has cut around five per cent of its planned Easter holiday flight schedule – if you’re affected by flight changes and cancellations, the airline will reach out but do check all the latest before heading to the airport.

Strikes are supported by Unite, a trade union that protects workers’ rights and introduces trade unionism to unorganised workers. In a recent statement, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Workers at Heathrow Airport are on poverty wages while the chief executive and senior managers enjoy huge salaries. It is the airport’s workers who are fundamental to its success, and they deserve a fair pay increase.

“Our members are simply unable to make ends meet due to the low wages paid by Heathrow. They are being forced to take strike action due to need, not greed.

“Unite has a laser-like focus on prioritising the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and HAL needs to be in no doubt that the workers at the airport will receive the union’s unstinting support.”

Heathrow also announced that the VIP suite will unfortunately not be open to departing passengers on strike days.

UK airport strikes everything you need to know

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What are the Gatwick airport strike dates?

Gatwick Airport states that UK Border Force strikes may impact travellers entering the UK. However, this information regards the nationwide strikes on Saturday 15 March 2023, and there are currently no strikes planned specifically in the airport at the time of publishing.

What are the Manchester airport strike dates?

At the time of publishing, there are no planned strike dates specific to Manchester Airport. However, the website still points travellers in the direction of the government website following the latest nationwide walkouts on Saturday 15 March. 

Which UK airports are striking this summer?

As of Wednesday 29 March 2023, the only UK airport strikes specific to one place are due to affect Heathrow Airport between Friday 31 March and Sunday 9 April.

For many travellers, travel disruption is more likely to occur as a result of the Passport Office strikes. Between Monday 3 April and Friday 5 May 2023, more than 1,000 UK Passport Office workers are set to strike for a total of five weeks. The walkouts are a result of ongoing disputes about pay and conditions.