Glasgow Airport Faces Potential Mid-July Strikes

Glasgow Airport is on the brink of major disruption this July, as over 400 airport workers have voted in favour of strike action amid a dispute over pay and working conditions.

If the planned strike goes ahead, it could affect thousands of UK holidaymakers, particularly those travelling during the busy summer holiday period. The earliest date industrial action could begin is mid-July 2025, with many unions eyeing the week of 15 July as a possible start date.

Who Is Going on Strike?

The strike ballot was held by Unite the Union, representing key airport staff such as:

• Security personnel

• Airport operations officers

• Firefighters

• Customer service assistants

• Ground operations teams

Over 75% of voting Unite members supported the strike, citing real-term pay cuts, staffing shortages, and increased work demands as their reasons.

This isn’t just a token protest. If these workers walk out, they’ll bring much of the airport’s core operations to a standstill.

Why Are Glasgow Airport Workers Striking?

1. Pay Dispute

Workers argue that the most recent pay offer -a 4.5% rise - doesn’t match the rising cost of living in the UK, especially in Scotland where inflation continues to outpace wage growth in public service sectors.

2. Staffing Issues

Like many UK airports, Glasgow has been facing staff shortages post-COVID, leading to overworked employees and safety concerns.

3. Long Hours and Conditions

Union representatives have flagged excessive overtime, under-resourcing during peak travel hours, and a lack of mental health support for frontline workers.

When Will the Glasgow Airport Strike Happen?

While exact dates haven’t been confirmed, the earliest legal date for a strike to begin is 15 July 2025. Unite has indicated that action may be staged across multiple days and could coincide with peak travel weekends, including:

• Mid-July (15–20 July)

• End of July (school holiday rush)

Travellers are advised to monitor updates daily, as formal strike dates will be released after mandatory notice periods are completed.

What Airlines Operate from Glasgow Airport?

Glasgow Airport serves over 30 airlines, including:

• easyJet

• Ryanair

• British Airways

• Jet2

• Loganair

• KLM

• TUI Airways

Most UK domestic and European holiday routes could be affected - particularly flights to London, Spain, Greece, Portugal, and the Canary Islands, which are popular in July. 

How Will This Affect UK-Wide Travel?

Glasgow Airport is a major hub for:

• Scotland–England routes

• Holiday flights to Europe

• Connections to long-haul flights via London or Amsterdam

If strike action spreads to other airports or triggers solidarity walkouts, this could have a ripple effect on the broader UK flight network.

Could the Strike Still Be Avoided?

Yes — talks are ongoing between Unite and the airport operator, AGS Airports Ltd.

If AGS returns with an improved pay offer and better working condition proposals, the union may choose to cancel or postpone the strike. Travellers should continue to monitor announcements up until the second week of July.

Final Word: Plan Ahead, Don’t Panic

We know the words “airport strike” can cause your stress levels to skyrocket faster than a Ryanair flight out of Stansted — but don’t cancel your holiday just yet.

Here’s your Glasgow Airport Strike Survival Kit:

• Watch the strike date announcements

• Double-check your airline’s communication

• Get insurance sorted now

• Consider alternate departure airports (like Edinburgh or Prestwick) if needed

For now, Glasgow flights are still operating as scheduled, but caution and preparation are your best travel companions.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. Strike dates and policies may change without notice. Always refer to official airline, union, or airport announcements for the most current information.

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