Potential Strike at Heathrow Could Disrupt Flights Over Bank Holiday Weekend

By Ivan PetrenkoApr 23, 2024 06:30 AMNews
Share:
People walking on an airport
People walking on an airport. Source: unsplash

A potential strike at London Heathrow Airport, announced by Unite, the United Kingdom-based workers union, threatens to significantly disrupt travel during an upcoming bank holiday weekend. The strike, involving refueling staff employed by AFS, is scheduled to last 72 hours beginning May 4, which could lead to numerous flights being delayed or canceled due to fuel shortages.

AFS, a joint venture that includes several prominent oil and gas companies such as Air BP, Total, Q8 Air, and Valero, has come under fire from Unite for what the union describes as severe cuts to the terms and conditions of staff hired since January 2024. These cuts reportedly affect pension and sickness benefits, prompting about 50 refueling employees to plan industrial action.

The strike's timing coincides with one of the busiest travel weekends in the UK, with May 6 being a public holiday. This period typically sees increased travel as British families take advantage of the long weekend. According to aviation analytics from Cirium, Heathrow has 2,671 outbound flights scheduled from May 3 to May 6, which could impact nearly 584,000 passengers due to the strike.

Unite has criticized AFS for creating a two-tier workforce, accusing the company of targeting its newest and most vulnerable employees with these cuts. Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, emphasized the union’s stance against what she termed as "bully-boy tactics," committing to fight for equitable treatment in terms of pensions and sick pay for all staff.

Kevin Hall, a regional officer at Unite, expressed concerns that accepting these conditions would set a precedent for future employment practices at AFS, potentially degrading worker rights further. He warned that the outcome of this dispute could set a standard for industry-wide employment terms going forward.

The airport has acknowledged the looming strike and stated that it is working with AFS on robust contingency plans to manage the potential fuel supply issues. However, the risk of disruption remains high, as the strike would affect the refueling of aircraft from major international carriers such as Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines, among others.

As discussions continue, both travelers and airlines are bracing for what could be a major disruption, affecting thousands of passengers and potentially straining logistical operations across one of Europe's busiest airports.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
SunExpress aircraft in flight before landing

New Summer Route Links Liverpool with Türkiye’s Southern Coast

Jul 5, 2025 23:25 PM
Rail tracks leading into a bridge with visible construction and electrical infrastructure

Expect Train Delays as Shrewsbury–Crewe Route Closes for Repairs

Jul 5, 2025 21:41 PM

Six New Cities Added to KLM’s 2025 Network amid Growing Summer Traffic

Jul 5, 2025 19:38 PM

Steam Train Journeys Return with New Routes for Exploring Britain’s Nature and History This Summer

Jul 5, 2025 17:56 PM
Two Greater Anglia trains at a station platform under electric lines

Greater Anglia Introduces Fare Offers Ahead of Summer Festivals in East Anglia

Jul 5, 2025 16:43 PM
AirAsia airplane wing with logo against clear sky

AirAsia’s New Fleet Set to Unlock More Direct Long-Haul Flights for Travelers

Jul 5, 2025 15:39 PM
Rail maintenance machinery working on train tracks near passenger trains

Calabria Rail Maintenance Weekend Disrupts Key Travel Routes

Jul 4, 2025 23:27 PM
Passenger checking carry-on luggage at airport baggage claim

Finnair Reminds Passengers of Carry On Rules Ahead of New EU Liquid Restrictions

Jul 4, 2025 21:56 PM
Railway workers conducting track maintenance with tools and wooden sleeper

Cardiff Rail Upgrades Will Disrupt Weekend Travel and Affect Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 19:31 PM

Croatia Airlines Resumes Zagreb and Bucharest Flights Enhancing Travel Options for Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 17:28 PM

Munich to Casablanca Flights Resume, Opening Door to West Africa

Jul 4, 2025 15:45 PM
Manchester Piccadilly railway station with multiple platforms and trains during daytime

Rail Delays and Route Changes in Manchester During Oasis Concert Week

Jul 4, 2025 11:32 AM
Etihad Airways aircraft in flight against a clear blue sky

New Etihad Route Links Atlanta to Abu Dhabi Without Stopovers

Jul 3, 2025 23:21 PM
Passengers waiting at Oslo Gardermoen Airport gate with planes outside

Scandinavians Gain Direct Winter Flights to Phuket for Faster Access to Thailand’s Beaches

Jul 3, 2025 21:47 PM
Railway workers and machinery performing track maintenance at a train station

Train Disruptions and Upgrades on the Naples Bari Line Affect Travelers

Jul 3, 2025 20:34 PM

Three New Hotels to Open in Calgary’s Event District by 2030

Jul 3, 2025 18:23 PM

New Etihad Routes Open Direct Access to Krakow and Salalah

Jul 3, 2025 07:49 AM
Modern hotel bedroom with neutral tones and tufted headboard

Historic Helsinki Hotel to Join Waldorf Astoria Brand

Jul 3, 2025 05:36 AM
Qatar Airways aircraft approaching for landing against a clear blue sky

Malta Reconnects: Direct Flights Open Easy Access

Jul 2, 2025 23:24 PM
Modern hotel room with stylish neutral decor and soft lighting

Kyoto to Welcome New Midscale Hotel Near Key Transit and Attractions

Jul 2, 2025 21:41 PM
Silhouetted travelers walking through airport at sunset

Loganair Makes Temporary Offer for More Flexible Tickets and Baggage Allowance

Jul 2, 2025 19:37 PM
Modern bedroom with blush pink decor and minimalist lighting

Fresh Accommodation Choice Opens Near Florence’s Iconic Landmarks

Jul 2, 2025 18:25 PM

Frankfurt Launches Long-Haul Flights Amid Busy Holiday Travel

Jul 2, 2025 17:42 PM

New hotel in Turgutreis opens up another side of Bodrum

Jul 2, 2025 07:38 AM
SAS Airbus A320neo regional jet in flight under cloudy sky

SAS’s New Regional Jets Set to Expand Travel Options Across Scandinavia

Jul 1, 2025 22:46 PM
Bright modern hotel room with two neatly made twin beds and minimalist decor

InterContinental Expands to Brisbane CBD as City Prepares for 2032 Games

Jul 1, 2025 20:29 PM