Friday, July 11, 2025

Glasgow Airport, a major travel hub for Scotland, is set to experience significant disruption this summer. The Unite union has confirmed dates for a strike involving key airport workers, including airport ambassadors, engineers, airside support officers, and managers. The strike, starting on Thursday, July 24, at 6 AM and lasting until Friday, July 26, at 5:59 AM, is expected to impact many holidaymakers flying in and out of Glasgow. With a massive 98.7% vote in favor of industrial action, it’s clear that the workers’ demands for a better pay deal have not been met, despite ongoing negotiations.

The threatened strike follows the rejection of Glasgow Airport’s current offer of a 4% wage rise, which the union thinks is not good enough. With both sides stuck, Unite reps claim AGS Airports, the owners of the airport, are making the poorest wage offers despite the robust profits of the company. Key personnel at the airport are involved in the strike, which could see holidaymakers facing flight cancellations and extended delays, generating major disruption.

At the center of the row are the workers’ grievances over wages and working conditions. While Glasgow Airport is among the most profitable airports in the UK, the workers concerned about the row believe their wages don’t reflect the success of the company. Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham highlighted that the strike action is inevitable, as the union has no option, and said: “Summer strike action is now inevitable unless Glasgow Airport’s new owners come to their senses.” Graham made it categorically clear that Unite would continue to back members through the row, which centers on demanding improved wages and working conditions.

One major point of dispute is the fact that airline workers elsewhere at the airport, like the workers at Menzies Aviation and ICTS security personnel, have already been able to negotiate wage increases. For instance, about 300 workers at Menzies are going to receive increases of 4% to 10%, while 250 security personnel at ICTS are going to enjoy a 5% wage rise. Yet Glasgow Airport LTD, which controls the major services at the facility, could not achieve the same deal with their workers.

Unite industrial officer Pat McIlvogue has lambasted Glasgow Airport for failing to provide a reasonable pay rise, stating: “Glasgow Airport Limited makes the lowest wage offer despite the biggest profit-earning business at the airport.” McIlvogue went on to say the airport appears to want to escalate the row, rather than resolve it through the negotiating process.

The planned strike is set to have mass disruption for holidaymakers passing through Glasgow Airport. Concerned workers are engaged in vital tasks, such as handling passengers on the ground, airside services, and ensuring proper airport operations. Consequently, commuters are likely to suffer through extended delays, cancellations of flights, and congested zones as the airport struggles with a decreased number of workers.

In case you are going to travel by air during the period of the strike, you need to stay updated by checking the current information about your flight. Airlines are recommended to make contingency plans, and you should prefer going to the airport well ahead of your time to factor in the likely delays. You should check the airline as well as the official website of the airports for current information about the situation.

AGS Airports, the operator of Glasgow Airport, has confirmed that it has made preparations for contingency to guarantee the minimum level of disruption. An offer of 4% has been “tabled,” says a spokesman, “which is an above-inflation pay rise.” However, despite the fact that terms have been reached with the majority of staff at AGS Airports, the Glasgow Airport staff involved in the strike are proceeding with their planned course of action.

Despite the fact that the extent of the disruption remains unclear, commuters traveling through Glasgow Airport must prepare themselves for the likelihood of delays. The following are the key tips to enable you to deal with the situation:

Monitor Flight Status Changes:

You should always check the flight status with the airline. Airlines typically post notices on their website and their social media accounts about delays and cancellations.

Plan to Arrive Early:

Processing times at the check-in desks and security might be longer with fewer personnel manning them. Arriving slightly earlier will help you navigate the airport with ample time to spare.

Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about the latest through the Glasgow Airport website and official channels, such as the website of the government for information about any travel advisories about the strikes.

As the summer months near, the threat of strike action at Glasgow Airport has holidaymakers worried. As the strike will involve a broad spectrum of airport staff, delays and cancellations are bound to be extensive, especially on the 24th and 25th of July. Travelers are advised to stay up to date with information and arrange accordingly to ensure they are not subjected to undue stress while traveling.

Whether you’re embarking on a much-anticipated holiday or flying for business, staying prepared and informed is the best way to navigate potential disruptions. Glasgow Airport’s ongoing dispute highlights the importance of understanding your rights as a passenger, and following the official channels for up-to-date information. Passengers are urged to refer to their carriers directly or to the official airports’ web pages for further information.