Air traffic control staff at Norwich Airport (NWI) are set to strike for one day on Friday, Aug. 28 following an ongoing unresolved dispute.
Unhappy Control Staff
Norwich Airport (NWI) is set to close on Friday, Aug. 28 as a result of planned industrial strike action by air traffic control staff. If the strike goes ahead as arranged, the airport will be unable to operate on the bank holiday weekend, one of the busiest weekends of the summer period.
The strike follows an ongoing dispute over pay, parental leave, and pensions, and it has been reported that there have been “months of efforts” to resolve the dispute prior to the announcement of industrial action. Members of the union have begun action short of a strike, including staff working strictly to contract, refusing to accept non-contractual overtime or swap shifts, and lastly, withdrawing goodwill.
Despite not having been in place long, the union has claimed that these measures are already highlighting how the air traffic control operation at NWI “relies heavily on staff goodwill to maintain safe staffing levels”.
David Avery, Prospect National Secretary for Aviation, argued that the union’s members in NWI’s air traffic control sector had valid requests, commenting,
“Our members in air traffic control are not making unreasonable demands, they are simply asking for pay levels and terms and conditions that are normal for their colleagues across the country […] We don’t want to take this industrial action, especially at a time when it will impact people’s holidays, but we have been left with no choice. NAL can still avert this action, but they need to come back to the table with a deliverable and fair plan.”
Bank Holiday Strike
The union said there is still time to avoid disruption in the event that Norwich Airport returns to negotiations with an “improved offer”.
Regarding the situation, a spokesman for Norwich Airport said:
“It is disappointing that Prospect has chosen to announce further industrial action while negotiations to resolve the dispute are ongoing. We remain firmly committed to resolving this dispute through constructive dialogue and will continue to engage with Prospect with the aim of reaching agreement.”
Reportedly, there are direct flights from the airport scheduled on Aug. 28 bound for Palma, Alicante, Dalaman, Corfu, Aberdeen and Amsterdam. Those travelling have been told to check in as normal, and to keep informed and updated via their airlines.
This incident joins the list of strike action discussed and undertaken throughout August 2026. In one instance, labour unions representing easyJet France cabin crews issued a strike notice on Aug. 4, and in another, no deal was reached between the refuelling staff and their employers, Menzies and Shell, by Aug. 11, leading to expected strikes at London Gatwick Airport (LGW).
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