When are the Gatwick Airport strikes in August - strikes suspended, latest

With news that workers at Gatwick Airport are going on strike for eight days this summer, many holidaymakers will be worried that their flights from the UK’s second-busiest airport will be cancelled or delayed. Here we look to answer your questions about the strikes and how they could impact your travel plans.

Latest news - some Gatwick Airport strikes suspended

Strikes due to be held by DHL workers at Gatwick Airport have now been put on hold pending a ballot on a new pay offer.

DHL's 600 workers at the airport, who work as part of of easyJet's operations, will now not strike from 28 July to 1 August as planned, the Unite union has revealed.

But strike action planned for 450 ASC, Menzies Aviation and GGS workers would still go ahead over the planned eight-day period. The ballot would determine if DHL workers go on to join the second wave of strikes planned for 4 August to 8 August.

While disruption will be less than feared, there is till likely to be cancellations and delays. 

Workers at Gatwick are going on strike in August - sparking the prospect of summer holiday chaos and cancellations for thousands. (Credit: Pexels.com)

Q: When are the Gatwick Airport strikes in August?

A. Seemingly timed to coincide with the school holidays in England, the strikes will be two four-day walkouts from July 28 to August 1, followed later in the month by a second outage from August 4-8. Both leaving and returning to Gatwick could be subject to huge delays. 

Q: Which companies employ the workers who will be going on strike?

A: The workers are employed by four firms: ASC, Menzies Aviation, GGS, and DHL Services.

Q: Which airlines will be affected by the strike?

A: Airlines that will be affected include British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, Tui, Westjet, and Wizz.

Q: Will the strike affect flights from the North and South Terminal?

Yes. The striking workers will cause delays and cancellation for passengers that are departing from Gatwick's South Terminal and North Terminal. 

Q: What has the union, Unite, said about the potential impact of the strike?

A: Unite said disruption, delays, and cancellations were "inevitable" due to the strike.

Q: What is the reason for the strike?

A: The workers are striking over a row regarding pay.

Q: Will the strikes affect school holiday getaways?

A. Yes - the first set of strikes are timed to start soon after the schools break up, so expect maximum disruption and cancellations in an already straining system.

Q: What types of workers are among the striking employees?

A: The striking workers include baggage handlers and ground staff.

Q: Will I get compensation for my flight if it is cancelled?

A: This depends on when the flight is cancelled. If airlines cancel the flight well in advance, then compensation is not payable - but the money for the original fight will be refunded of course. They will also try to book passengers on to other services, but this may not be possible with the system under such extreme pressure. 

Q: What challenges is the aviation industry already facing?

A: The aviation industry is dealing with restricted airspace over Ukraine due to Russia's war and the possibility of air traffic control strikes. There is also a shortage of air traffic controllers.

Q: Has Unite been successful in securing better deals for its members in the past?

A: Yes, in June Unite called off strike action by security staff at Heathrow Airport after securing a new deal.

Q: Are there any other strikes planned in the aviation industry?

A: Yes, there is an air traffic strike in Italy on Saturday 15 July, which Ryanair has said is expected to

 

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