Are there any strikes in the UK airport in 2023?

Heathrow Airport strikes in October 2023: dates, disruption and everything you need to know. Holidaymakers, we've got bad news. Baggage handling staff at Heathrow (the UK's biggest and busiest airport) have announced that they'll be going on strike for 13 days in October.



While 2023 saw significant industrial action at UK airports, including strikes by Heathrow security guards and border force staff, the current situation in March 2026 is dominated by a different type of disruption. As of today, March 3, 2026, there are no widespread labor strikes at UK airports; however, air travel is severely impacted by safety-related flight suspensions due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Major carriers like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have cancelled or rerouted thousands of flights to avoid regional airspace closures over the Gulf. Specifically, at London Heathrow, there have been reports of "tactical" disruptions as airlines manage the fallout from drone and missile strikes affecting hubs in Dubai and Qatar. While the "strike" headlines of 2023 focused on pay disputes for baggage handlers and security, the 2026 travel landscape is currently more concerned with geopolitical security. Travelers should monitor the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and their specific airline's "Travel Alerts" page for the most current information.

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In spring 2023, many travellers had their adventures affected from airports across the UK due to the latest series of strikes, as border force workers took action over pay and working conditions.

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Strike action can mean either the ground staff or plane crew will not be operating their usual tasks. Flights can also be cancelled due to air traffic control strikes, ground staff or plane crew. This disruption can affect other areas, such as retail and cleaning services.

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What to do if your flight is canceled. If your flight has been canceled, remember that federal law entitles you to a full cash refund for the cost of your airfare (regardless of the reason).

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Airlines websites — all airlines also provide information on their flight status. You can check the status of your flight by going to your airline website and entering the details of your flights, and you will know in a second if your flight is on-time, delayed or cancelled.

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A campaign to reopen Doncaster Sheffield has been put forward, after it closed back in 2022. And Manston Airport in Kent is being rebuilt with hopes to relaunch passenger flights.

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Because Heathrow is so busy, aircraft coming in to land at Heathrow are frequently held in holding stacks. Aircraft usually come into a holding stack where they fly in an oval pattern to wait for a landing slot. From the holding stack they follow a set of instructions issued by air traffic controllers (ATC).

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There are lots of reflective surfaces, bright lights, alarms, crowd congestion and lots of unfamiliar tastes and smells. We cannot offer a sensory friendly environment but we can tell you what you can expect and help you to come up with a plan. Keep safe! Trolleys, escalators and baggage reclaim belts can dangerous.

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How will you know if your flight is cancelled? Gatwick has advised passengers to check the status of their flights directly with their airlines. It is expected that airlines will inform passengers if a flight is being cancelled a day before it is set to take off. What are your rights?

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How long before my flight do I need to check in? We advise that you arrive at least two hours before your flight to allow plenty of extra time to check-in and pass through security.

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