Scottish airports' strike threat escalates ahead of peak summer travel

Union Unite confirmed ongoing pay disputes involving staff at Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport and Aberdeen Airport, raising the prospect of major operational headaches for travellers. It would involve some 900 workers told Unite.

Industrial action ballots opened this week for around 500 Unite members employed by airport operator Edinburgh Airport and ground handling specialist Menzies Aviation. Another 70 ICTS security workers at Aberdeen Airport are also voting on strike action over pay.

The dispute widens an already tense situation at Glasgow Airport, where Unite last week confirmed ballots involving 170 ICTS security workers and an additional 140 Menzies Aviation employees.

If no agreements are reached, strikes could hit at one of the busiest travel periods of the year, coinciding with increased international traffic linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

At Edinburgh Airport alone, around 370 workers involved in the ballot include airport ambassadors, engineering teams, airside support staff and management personnel.

Meanwhile, roughly 280 Menzies Aviation ground handling staff across Edinburgh and Glasgow have rejected pay offers. The group includes dispatchers, controllers, allocators and airside agents supporting airlines including American Airlines, British Airways, United Airlines, Aer Lingus, Emirates, Lufthansa, Loganair and Air Transat.

A further 240 ICTS staff at Aberdeen and Glasgow airports, responsible for passenger security screening, are also part of the dispute.

Four strike ballots are due to close on May 21, while a fifth concludes on May 28.

Unite industrial officer Carrie Donoghue warned that any industrial action would severely impact flights and passengers during an exceptionally busy travel period. ““The blame for this situation arising will lie entirely with these extremely wealthy companies. They can end these disputes immediately, and in doing so they can give the traveling public peace of mind.”

Menzies Aviation said negotiations remain ongoing and stressed that its latest pay proposal exceeds inflation and mirrors agreements accepted by other ground handling teams at both airports.

The company added that contingency plans are already in place to minimize disruption and keep flights operating if strikes go ahead.