The past few years have seen post-pandemic travel chaos as airlines, airports and rail services across the country struggled to manage the demand.
In 2023, many travellers had their adventures from airports across the UK impacted due to a series of strikes, as border force workers took action over pay and working conditions. However, airports such as Heathrow did turn to contingency plans, avoiding some challenges.
While staff numbers have steadily increased to cope with demand, the cost of living crisis – largely caused by inflation and unforeseen multi-industry price hikes as a consequence of global and political issues – is the main reason for the latest sweep of walkouts.
Here’s what we know so far about the ongoing travel strikes, how they may impact your journey, and what can be done to ease the pre-holiday stress.
Which UK airports are striking?
In 2024, there are strikes planned at Heathrow in May.
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What are the Heathrow Airport strike dates?
Strikes are planned at Heathrow over a series of dates, including Monday 29 April until Thursday 2 May and between Tuesday 7 May and Monday 13 May.
The strikes are by Border Force workers in disputes over working conditions. More than 300 members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) are fighting against the introduction of new schedules that would result in the loss of jobs at security and passport control stations.
According to the BBC, PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “It’s disappointing that, despite talks last week, the Home Office is not prepared to grant any flexibility to their new roster. None of our dedicated and highly experienced members in the Border Force want to take strike action but the way they’ve been treated by their employer leaves them with no option.”
Strike plans for refuellers working for AFS from Saturday 4 May have been cancelled, as the Unite Union wins a new pay deal for workers. The refuelers had been fighting for fair contracts following cuts to the terms and conditions of new staff recruited since January 2024 including reduced pension and sickness benefits, according to a press release from Unite the Union published on Monday 22 April.
