LEEDS, England, October 15, 2026 — Update to our October 14 story. All strike action planned at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) for this weekend is now off. Yesterday only the air traffic controllers’ walkout had been suspended. Now the strike by hourly-paid staff is off too, while both groups vote on new pay offers.
What changed
- Weekend strikes called off: Unite has confirmed that neither the controllers nor the hourly-paid staff will strike from Friday, October 16, to Sunday, October 18, the Yorkshire Evening Post reports. Hourly-paid staff include passport control, check-in, security, passenger assistance and cleaners.
- Two separate votes: Controllers and hourly-paid staff are each voting on their own offer. Closing dates for the ballots: TBA.
- Half-term still at risk: If the offers are rejected, strikes are planned from October 23 to November 2. Around 130 workers are involved, the Wakefield Express says.
- Union view: Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said the union “suspended this week’s strike action in good faith.”
- Airport view: The airport says it expects normal operations with no disruption this weekend.
- Background: Staff have come out of a four-year pay deal. Unite says a starting controller at Leeds Bradford earns about £34,000, compared with £55,000 at Newcastle.
Strike dates at a glance
| Dates | Who | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 16–18 | Air traffic controllers and hourly-paid staff | Called off |
| Oct 23–Nov 2 | Workers who reject their offer | Planned only if offers are rejected (vote dates TBA) |
What it means for travelers
- This weekend looks normal. Plan trips October 16–18 as usual, but check your flight status before you leave.
- Keep a backup for half-term. If you plan to fly October 23 to November 2, know your options through Manchester or another nearby airport in case the offers are voted down.
- Half-term flights fill up anyway. Book early, strike or no strike.
Sources
- Yorkshire Evening Post — Leeds Bradford Airport strike action called off after fresh pay offer received
- Wakefield Express — Leeds Bradford Airport strike called off after workers receive new pay offer
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