The forthcoming bank holiday could cause serious disruption at one of the world's busiest airports, Heathrow. The Unite union has announced plans for major strikes, which could result in grounded, delayed or disrupted flights.
Heathrow Potential Disruption
Here's everything you should be aware of regarding the dates of the strikes, expected disruption and the airlines likely to be affected.
Refuelling Workers Strike
Approximately 50 refuelling staff are involved in the strike, which is scheduled to last for the following days:
- Saturday, 4 May
- Sunday, 5 May
- Monday, 6 May (Bank Holiday)
Unite union warns that the strikes could cause considerable disruption to passengers over the Bank Holiday weekend. This industrial action is in response to the decision by aviation fuel company AFS to reduce terms and conditions of employment for new employees recruited since January 2024, resulting in reduced pension and sickness benefits.
London Heathrow Airport assured passengers that contingency plans were being developed with AFS to deal with any potential disruption. They stated that their measures were robust and that passengers should feel confident in booking flights from Heathrow.
There is a complete list of airlines which are likely to be affected by strikes:
- Air Canada
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
- Delta
- Virgin Atlantic
- Japan Airlines
- Emirates
- Qantas
- Elal
- Singapore Airlines
- Korean Airlines
- Air France
- Klm
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Jet Blue
- Lot (Polish)
- Royal Air Maroc
- Middle East Airlines
- Sas (Scandinavian)
- Tap Air Portugal
- Malta Airlines
- Dhl
- Aero Mexico
- Latam Airlines
- Air India
- Logan Air
- Bulgarian Air
- Uzbekistan
- China Airlines
- Air Mauritius
- Turkmenistan
- Avianca
- Asiana
- Saudi
- Tianjin Airlines
- Beijing Capital
- Rwanda Air
Additionally, around 800 Unite members working in various departments at Heathrow are also expected to take part in a week of strike action in May. These services are:
- Passenger services
- Trolley operations
- Campus security
- Firefighters
The strike is scheduled to continue on the following days:
- Tuesday, 7 May
- Wednesday, 8 May
- Thursday, 9 May
- Friday, 10 May
- Saturday, 11 May
- Sunday, 12 May
- Monday, 13 May
Border Force Officers' Strike
Border Force officers also announced a four-day strike due to changes in their working conditions. They will go on strike on the following days:
- Monday 29 April
- Tuesday 30 April
- Wednesday 1 May
- Thursday 2nd May
The strike will mainly affect arrivals rather than departures. Border Force employees are to be axed from their jobs at passport control as part of the new shift plans, the union said. The Home Office has expressed disappointment at the union's decision, but remains open to discussion.
These strikes follow Heathrow's announcement that it intends to outsource work in passenger services, trolley operations and campus security by June 1st as part of a cost-cutting measure. The Union warned that the strike would cause significant disruption across the airport, leading to delays and disruption.
Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, said the union was firmly committed to defending the jobs, pay and conditions of its members.
She described Heathrow's actions as 'deplorable', accusing the airport of putting profits ahead of its workforce. The union will provide its members with unwavering support during this dispute.