Leeds Bradford Airport: air traffic control, security and terminal staff strike from 16 to 18 October 2026

Almost 130 Unite members at Leeds Bradford Airport — air traffic controllers, security and customer experience staff, and cleaners — will strike from 03:00 on Friday 16 October to 06:00 on Sunday 18 October 2026; the air traffic controllers stop from 06:00 on 16 October.

What to expect: Unite says the airport would have to shut, because flights cannot operate without air traffic control and passengers cannot depart or arrive without security and passport control. If you are flying from or to Leeds Bradford on 16 or 17 October, or early on 18 October, check with your airline before travelling.

Why: pay talks began in December 2025 after a four-year pay deal ended. Unite says some departments have fallen behind equivalent roles at other airports and that the airport's formal offer does not close the gap.