With one week to go, there is still no sign of a settlement at Leeds Bradford Airport. Around 130 Unite members are due to walk out over pay from 3am on Friday 16 October to 6am on Sunday 18 October, with air traffic controllers striking from 6am Friday to 6am Sunday.
Who is striking
The walkout covers air traffic control, security, customer experience and cleaning roles. The union says the airport would effectively shut down because no flights can move without certified controllers, and the terminal would lack passport control and passenger assistance. The airport insists it expects near-normal operations and describes its pay offer as fair, responsible and significantly above inflation. It says it remains committed to further talks.
Pay talks have been running for nearly ten months since December 2025, after the end of a four-year pay deal. Unite cites pay disparity with comparable airports such as Newcastle, and the union’s general secretary Sharon Graham has publicly backed the workers, arguing the airport is very profitable and can afford a better offer.
Why it matters for half term
The strike lands at the start of October half term, one of the busiest weeks for family travel. Leeds Bradford is the home airport of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, which base much of their operation there, alongside Ryanair and Wizz Air. The airport handled a record 4.45 million passengers last financial year, with turnover of £61.5m, up 14 percent.
What travellers should do
- A last-minute deal is still theoretically possible before 16 October, but the tone from both sides does not suggest a breakthrough is close. Plan as if the strike will go ahead.
- If your flight is cancelled, you can choose a full cash refund or rerouting to your final destination. Airlines must rebook you, even onto other carriers.
- Consider backup airports. Manchester and Newcastle are the nearest large alternatives, but both require significant surface travel, so factor that into your timings.
- Keep an eye on your airline’s communications. No airline has published a cancellation programme yet, and any will likely appear only once the strike position is final.
We are tracking this story daily. Check back for updates as 16 October approaches.
