Glasgow Airport, one of Scotland’s busiest international transport hubs, is set to experience major disruption this July as approximately 100 airport workers prepare for a 48-hour strike. Scheduled to begin at 6:00 AM on Wednesday, July 24, and end at 5:59 AM on Friday, July 26, the industrial action is being led by the Unite union in protest over stalled pay negotiations.
The strike, which threatens to impact thousands of passengers during peak summer travel, reflects growing unrest across the UK aviation sector as workers demand better wages and working conditions amid rising living costs.
Unite Union Confirms Strike Over Rejected 4% Pay Offer
Unite the Union has confirmed that its members, who are employed by Glasgow Airport Ltd, have voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action. A 98.7% majority supported the walkout after rejecting a 4% pay increaseoffered by the airport’s operator, AGS Airports. Unite claims the offer does not reflect the company’s financial performance or the rising cost of living facing workers.
The strike will include a broad range of airport personnel—from airport ambassadors and airside support staff to engineers and duty managers—with expectations of widespread delays, flight cancellations, and longer processing times at the airport’s terminals.
Union Leaders: Strike “Inevitable” Without Meaningful Pay Talks
Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, said the strike was “now inevitable” unless Glasgow Airport’s management re-engaged in negotiations with a new, improved offer.
“Summer strike action is now unavoidable unless Glasgow Airport’s owners come to their senses. Our members will not back down in their fight for better pay and fair treatment,” she stated.
The union argues that airport staff have played a critical role in supporting post-pandemic recovery, yet are being rewarded with wage increases that barely cover inflation. Adding fuel to the fire, Unite highlighted that other airport service providers—including ICTS, Menzies Aviation, and Falck—have granted pay rises of up to 10%, making AGS’s 4% offer appear increasingly out of touch.
Airport Management Responds: Contingency Plans in Place
In response, AGS Airports expressed disappointment over the escalation and confirmed that negotiations have been ongoing since March. The airport insists it has made multiple revised offers during discussions and is now putting contingency plans in place to minimize disruption for travelers.
A spokesperson said:
“We remain committed to resolving this dispute. However, contingency operations will be implemented to safeguard airport operations during the strike.”
Despite those assurances, travelers are being advised to prepare for delays, check flight statuses with their airlines, and allow additional time for check-in and security screening during the strike period.
Strike Reflects Broader Industry Tensions
The standoff at Glasgow Airport is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend across the UK aviation and travel industry. Wage stagnation, rising operational costs, and increasing passenger volumes are placing intense pressure on airport infrastructure and staffing.
In June 2025, Unite successfully secured a 5% wage increase for 250 ICTS security screeners working at Glasgow Airport, which further spotlighted the disparity between employer responses. The current refusal by Glasgow Airport Ltd. to follow suit has deepened the rift with its employees.
Unite’s industrial officer Pat McIlvogue criticized the airport’s reluctance to meet industry standards, stating:
“Glasgow Airport is offering the bare minimum despite being the most profitable operator on-site. Management seems more interested in picking a fight than finding a resolution.”
What Travelers Need to Know: Tips for Navigating the Disruption
With travel chaos on the horizon, passengers flying to or from Glasgow between July 24 and July 26 are urged to take precautionary measures:
- Check with Your Airline – Confirm flight schedules and stay updated on any last-minute cancellations or changes.
- Arrive Early – Expect longer queues at check-in, security, and baggage areas. Arriving at least three hours early is advised.
- Have a Backup Plan – Research alternative routes, such as flights from Edinburgh or Prestwick, or consider rail travel.
- Travel Insurance – Ensure your policy covers cancellations or delays caused by strikes.
- Stay Informed – Monitor Glasgow Airport’s website and official social media channels for real-time updates.
Travel Industry Braces for Peak Season Chaos
The strike could not come at a worse time. Late July marks one of the busiest periods for travel in the UK, with families heading off on school summer holidays and international tourism at a seasonal high.
Glasgow Airport typically serves over 100,000 passengers per week during summer peaks. Disruptions could cascade across international flights, including popular routes to Spain, Greece, the U.S., Ireland, and Dubai, as well as critical domestic connections to London, Belfast, and Birmingham.
If the strike proceeds without resolution, the economic toll could stretch beyond airline delays, potentially impacting local hospitality, tourism spending, and international travel itineraries.
Outlook: Can a Resolution Still Be Reached?
While the clock ticks down toward the strike date, hope for a resolution remains. Both Unite and Glasgow Airport management are under mounting pressure—from passengers, businesses, and political stakeholders—to reach a compromise.
Should further talks be scheduled in the coming days, there is a possibility that the July 24–26 strike action could be called off. However, with both sides currently holding firm to their positions, travelers should prepare for the worst-case scenario.
Conclusion: Travel with Caution Amid Labour Dispute
The upcoming Glasgow Airport strike in July 2025 reflects growing tensions within the aviation sector over fair wages and job conditions. While the union insists the walkout is necessary to secure better treatment for airport workers, the travel public is left grappling with uncertainty during one of the busiest times of the year.
Until a resolution is reached, travelers are advised to remain flexible, vigilant, and proactive in their travel planning. The aviation industry—already strained by rising costs and capacity challenges—now faces a new test in managing both operational continuity and labor relations.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
