Passengers travelling this Christmas have been told to expect disruption at certain airports.
Border Force workers from the the Public and Commercial Service (PCS) union will walk out from a number of UK airports from Friday (December 23) and will remain on strike through December 24, 25, and until around 7am on December 26. The action will begin again on December 28 and will continue through to December 29, 30 and 31.
Manchester Airport is among the airports affected by industrial action. Workers will also strike at Birmingham Airport, Cardiff Airport, Gatwick Airport, Glasgow Airport, Heathrow Airport – Terminals 2, 3, 4, 5 and Port of Newhaven
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Passengers have been warned to expect delays and disruption, including longer wait times. They've also been advised to check with their travel agents, tour operators and airlines or carriers about possible disruptions to their journey prior to travelling, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Airport eGates will continue to function as normal, the government said in a statement, those eligible to use them are encouraged to do so as the "quickest and most efficient way to pass through border control."
Steve Dann, Border Force Chief Operating Officer, said: "We apologise for any disruption caused to travellers entering the UK. Border Force’s number one priority is to keep our citizens safe and borders secure. We are working together with partners across the travel industry to ensure we can continue to meet critical demand and support the flow of passengers and goods through our border.
"During the periods of industrial action, travellers should be prepared for disruption. We encourage everyone to check the latest advice from your operators before travelling."
The industrial action from border force agents is the latest in a long-standing series of strikes, including from nurses, paramedics, rail workers and postal workers. Disputes over pay, jobs and working conditions are behind the action sweeping industries across the UK.
Regarding the strike action, Manchester Airport has said that it doesn’t “anticipate the need for cancellations” and that travellers should not need to change their plans.
A spokesperson for the airport said: “Following the announcement of industrial action by UK Border Force (UKBF) staff at several UK airports - including Manchester - we have been working closely with the Home Office and others to understand the impact this will have, minimise disruption to our operation and support the safety and wellbeing of colleagues and passengers.
“The industrial action will take place on 23, 24, 25, 26 and 28, 29, 30 and 31 December, during which time we will continue to operate our full flight schedule. We do not anticipate the need for cancellations and passengers do not need to change their travel plans, unless advised otherwise by their airline.
“There is a likelihood that waiting times at the border will be – at times – longer than usual on these days, and we will provide whatever support we can to ensure passengers’ arrival back into Manchester is as smooth as possible.”
Liverpool John Lennon Airport will not be affected by the strikes, but it has issued advice to passengers as it expects the Christmas holidays to be busy.
Robin Tudor, head of PR for the airport said, “This Christmas and New Year period is expected to be our busiest since pre-covid and it will be great once again at this time of year to see thousands of passengers from across the region taking advantage of the convenience of flying hassle free from Liverpool.
"We pride ourselves for being faster, easier and friendlier, but would like to remind all passengers to always allow plenty of time when travelling to the airport, come prepared and think carefully about what they are carrying in their hand luggage.”
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