Leeds Bradford Airport Strike: Dates, Times and Flights Affected (16–18 October)

Thousands of travellers flying out of Yorkshire this weekend face a weekend of uncertainty after staff at Leeds Bradford Airport confirmed they will walk out in a 48-hour strike over pay. The action, which begins at 3am on Friday 16 October, could bring the airport to a standstill — just as half-term holidaymakers are packing their bags for the autumn getaway.

The union, Unite, says almost 130 members will take industrial action in what it describes as a fight for fair pay. The airport insists it still expects to run near-normal operations. For anyone with a flight booked this weekend, the two claims could hardly be more different — so here is what is actually happening, and what to do if you are affected.

Leeds Bradford Airport strike dates and times

The walkout covers two waves of workers. Hourly-paid staff — including security officers, customer experience staff and cleaners — will strike from 3am on Friday 16 October until 6am on Sunday 18 October.

Air traffic control workers, whose participation is the union's trump card, follow at 6am on Friday and also return at 6am on Sunday. Unite argues that with no controllers in the tower, no flights can land or take off — and with no security staff, passengers cannot clear the terminal either.

October half-term is one of the busiest flying periods of the year for family holidays.

Why Leeds Bradford workers are striking

The dispute is about pay — and, according to the union, fairness. Talks have been running since December 2025, after the workforce emerged from a four-year pay deal. Unite says some departments have fallen behind what staff in equivalent roles earn at other airports.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham has been blunt about the airport's ability to pay more, arguing that a profitable business should not be paying its workers less than rivals. Regional officer Neil Whitaker said members had "no choice" but to strike, insisting that a fair pay rise is what it would take to call the action off.

The union has pointed to the airport's finances: Leeds Bradford reported a turnover of £61.5 million for the year ending 31 March 2025, up 14 per cent on the previous year's £54 million, and Spanish operator AENA took a 51 per cent majority stake in May as part of a £270 million deal. The Yorkshire Evening Post has separately reported a £6.6 million loss for 2025/26 despite record passenger numbers.

What Leeds Bradford Airport says

The airport disputes the union's case entirely. In a statement, it said it had made what it believes is a "fair and responsible" offer that is significantly above inflation, and expressed disappointment that Unite had chosen industrial action over continued talks.

Management says it remains committed to constructive dialogue and that its priority is minimising disruption for customers. At this stage, the airport says it anticipates running near-normal operations during the strike period — though it has not yet explained publicly how it will cover air traffic control or security roles.

Will my flight be cancelled? What to do

This is the question every affected passenger is asking — and right now, nobody outside the dispute can answer it with certainty. The union claims no flights can operate; the airport claims near-normal service. Until the action begins on Friday morning, neither claim can be tested.

Here is what to do if you are flying from Leeds Bradford on 16–18 October.

• Check with your airline, not the airport: your airline's app or booking email is the only authoritative source for cancellations. Treat official airline notices as the trigger for rebooking.
• Know your rights: if your flight is cancelled, airlines must offer a full refund or a rebooked flight at the earliest opportunity, plus meals, accommodation and care if you are stranded.
• Keep receipts: if you book alternative travel or hotels, keep every receipt — you may be able to claim reasonable costs back.
• Consider alternatives now: Manchester and Newcastle airports are the nearest large alternatives, though both involve significant surface travel from Yorkshire.

Whether the action goes ahead as planned — or is called off at the last minute — remains to be seen. What is certain is that thousands of travellers will be watching closely in the days ahead.

Sources

• Unite the Union: Leeds Bradford Airport shutdown as workers will strike
• The Sun: Major UK airport to 'come to a standstill' as strike action to cancel flights
• Greatest Hits Radio (Rayo): Workers to take industrial action over pay at Leeds Bradford Airport
• The Tab: Closures expected at Leeds Bradford Airport due to staff strikes

Photo: Mtaylor848 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) — Leeds Bradford Airport terminal, May 2024.