Leeds Bradford Airport faces two-day shutdown from October 16 as 130 Unite workers walk out over pay

From the Newshound archive · first published 5 October 2026 · last updated 6 October 2026.

Around 130 Unite members — including air traffic control staff, security workers and cleaners — are set to strike at Leeds Bradford Airport from October 16 to 18, with the union warning that no flights will be able to take off or land. Pay negotiations have been at an impasse since December 2025; workers argue their wages now lag behind those paid for comparable roles at Newcastle Airport following the expiry of a four-year deal. The airport posted a record turnover of £61.5m for the year to March 2025, up 14% year-on-year, and is on track to handle 4.5 million passengers this year.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham says the airport 'is very profitable and can more than afford' a better offer.

The airport insists its pay offer is 'significantly above inflation' and expects 'near-normal operations' during the strike.