- Norwich Airport air traffic controllers have announced strike action for 28 August.
- The strike could ground all flights on one of the busiest travel days.
- The dispute involves a 10pc pay rise demand and parental leave issues.
- Scheduled flights to Palma, Alicante, Dalaman, Corfu, Aberdeen, and Amsterdam are at risk.
- Both sides remain open to talks to avoid travel chaos.
Norwich Airport air traffic controllers have announced strike action for 28 August that could ground all flights on one of the busiest holiday travel days of the year. The Prospect union called for the 24-hour walkout amid a strict dispute over wages and parental leave benefits. Air traffic controllers are working to rule, refusing overtime and shift swaps, which has drained the goodwill safety net needed to keep the airport safely staffed.
The negotiations have hit a standstill, with employees demanding a 10pc pay rise to match market standards while management has offered 3pc for 2026 and 3pc for 2027. The dispute also covers parental leave, with staff requesting 4 months full pay and 4 months half pay, while management’s offer remains unresolved. Scheduled flights at risk include direct routes to Palma, Alicante, Dalaman, Corfu, Aberdeen, and Amsterdam.
Airport officials advise passengers to check in as normal for the time being but to monitor directly with holiday operators or airlines for flight cancellation or rescheduling updates. Both sides claim they remain open to talks to avoid total travel chaos before the bank holiday weekend begins. The union warns the airport will likely be unable to operate flights at all on 28 August unless a new pay offer is made.
