Leeds Bradford Airport faces possible two-day shutdown over pay strike

Nearly 130 staff members from the Unite union at Leeds Bradford Airport have scheduled industrial action for October 16-18, citing insufficient pay parity. The strike will involve hourly-paid workers from early morning on the 16th and air-traffic control personnel from 6 am on both days, effectively preventing arrivals, departures and terminal services. Airport officials argue their proposal exceeds inflation and reflects economic conditions, and they expect to run close to normal during the period.

Union leader Sharon Graham criticized the airport’s profitability and called for a better offer, while regional officer Neil Whitaker emphasized the workers’ contribution to the airport’s growth. Recent financial reports show the airport posted a loss of £6.6 million for 2025/26 despite record passenger numbers, adding pressure to the dispute.