Border Force, ferry, airline and airport strikes in June and July

Passengers face disruption this summer as Gatwick airport strikes are announced, as well as further cancellations in the coming days by Aer Lingus due to pilot industrial action.

Aver 300 Gatwick airport workers that are members of Unite the union plan to walk out in July across four dates, likely causing delays at security.

Maanwhile, Aer Lingus pilots began an indefinite 'work to rule' on 26 June, which will be followed by an eight-hour strike on Saturday, 29 June.

Flights in and out of the UK were initially due to be impacted until 2 July, but Aer Lingus has confirmed the disruption will now continue until 7 July. 

Instead of the original 270 flight cancellations, there are now almost 400 that have been cancelled. Aer Lingus customers should check their flight's status before setting off to the airport.

Under 'work to rule,' pilots will not work outside of set hours, nor will they accept changes to their rosters. However, Saturday's full walkout means pilots will not work between 5am and 1pm.

Overseas, air traffic control and airport handler strikes are planned for July in Italy. While there are no strikes scheduled in France, these are often announced at the last minute.

To help you avoid disruption, we’ve rounded up major travel strike dates below in crucial holiday destinations and the UK. We’ll update this regularly. If you already have travel planned, we'll advise what to do and your rights if your journey is delayed or cancelled.

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Aer Lingus strike

Aer Lingus pilots who are members of the Irish Air Line Pilot's Association (IALPA) are walking out on Saturday, 29 June, and have planned a 'work to rule' indefinitely. This means that pilots will not work overtime and will not be flexible over their rosters, which could make it difficult for Aer Lingus to operate normally.

The industrial action is over an ongoing dispute with the airline regarding pay. 

The action will affect passengers in the coming days. 270 cancellations are currently expected on flights in and out of the UK and Ireland, including some transatlantic flights.

In a recent statement, Aer Lingus said: 'The nature of this industrial action may lead to further cancellations and delays and we will communicate directly with impacted customers as soon as possible.'

How long is the Aer Lingus strike?

The strike will take place on 29 June from 5am until 1pm. However, there is no set end date to the 'work to rule'. 

Currently, cancellations have been made up to and including 2 July, but this could be extended if a pay agreement isn't reached.

Aer Lingus flight cancellations

Various flights to and from Birmingham, Cork, Dublin, London Heathrow, and Manchester airports have been cancelled. Find out whether your route is affected on Aer Lingus. 

Gatwick airport strikes in July

Around 300 Gatwick workers - security screeners and passenger services staff - will strike between 12 - 14 July and 19 - 21 July over pay.

Of these staff members, 100 are baggage security screeners, which could mean delays at security at the start of the busiest season - and in the lead-up to the school holidays. 

The other 200 workers due to walk out provide special assistance services for vulnerable passengers, which could cause problems for those who need help at the airport.

 Unite the union said: 'Further industrial action will be scheduled if the disputes are not resolved.'

Take a look at the best and worst rated UK airports in our survey results.

Heathrow airport strikes in July

There are currently none planned.

Airline and airport strikes in Italy in June and July

July 5 - airport handler and air traffic control strikes

Some baggage handlers are due to strike at a number of Italian airports on 5 July, meaning there could be delays with getting luggage on and off planes.

Handlers at Milan Linate and Milan Malpensa will walk out for 24 hours, whereas baggage handlers at Venice Marco Polo, and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi are due to strike between 1 and 5pm only.

Meanwhile, air traffic controllers at Marco Polo will walk out between 1 and 5pm on the same day. Be aware that last minute delays could occur.

July 21 - air traffic controller strike

If you’re flying in or out of Milan Linate or Bergamo Orio al Serio airport on July 21, be aware that you could face delays or cancellations due to an air traffic controller strike between 1pm and 5pm.

Italy strike exemption dates this summer

The good news is that if you're travelling in or out of Italy on peak summer dates, you won't get caught up in strike disruption. Industrial action impacting Italy's air transport sector is not permitted between 27 July and 5 September.

Air traffic control strikes in France in June and July

Although ATC strikes have caused chaos in recent months, there are none currently scheduled. However, in France, strikes are often announced last minute, so keep your eyes peeled.

ATC strikes in France don't just affect journeys flying into and out of the country, they also affect flights travelling over French airspace.  

How can I check if my flight is affected by strikes, and what are my rights if I miss my flight?

Firstly, check your airline’s and airport websites to see if your flight is delayed - often, the latter is updated more quickly. 

If security staff strike, long queues may mean you miss your plane. If you are in the security queue and your flight departs soon, make a fuss and let staff know the urgency. Security staff may fast-track you. Alternatively, contact your airline before the flight departs to tell them you won’t get through security in time - some, like British Airways, offer free rebooking. 

If you miss your flight during airport staff strikes due to queues, you may be able to make a claim against the airport under the Frustrated Contracts Act, but this would likely require going to court.

You could claim on your travel insurance if it includes missed departure, provided you followed airline advice and arrived at the airport at the right time.  See our advice on what time you should get to the airport. Keep hold of evidence proving when you turned up at the airport (such as car park or train tickets) in case you can claim.

If airline staff go on strike, it can lead to long check-in and bag drop queues. If, while queuing, it becomes apparent you may miss your flight, call your airline before departure to see if you can move to a later flight for free. Unlike security queues, the airline is responsible if you miss your flight due to long check-in and bag drop queues.

You may be able to claim for a missed flight under the Consumer Rights Act or via your insurance policy. Find out more about your rights if you miss your flight because of disruption at the airport.

Airline cancellations and delays refund and compensation advice

If an airline cancels your flight for any reason, you are covered under the Denied Boarding Regulation, provided you are due to fly with a UK or EU airline or any carrier departing from a UK or EU airport. You must be offered a refund or rerouting (either on the next available flight on any airline or at an agreed future date, although this is often difficult to enforce). 

Your airline must also offer assistance if your flight is delayed by more than two or three hours (it depends on how far you are flying). That includes vouchers for food and drink and, if required, overnight accommodation. See more on what you’re entitled to in our strikes compensation guide.

Will I get compensation for strike delays and cancellations?

It depends on why your airline cancelled or delayed the flight. 

If an airline cancels your flight because its staff are striking, you’re entitled to compensation - unless informed of the cancellation at least two weeks before departure. There are other rules on remuneration; check our denied boarding regulations advice guide.

However, if a flight is cancelled because of airport staff, border force or air traffic control strikes, this will be classified as an extraordinary circumstance. You are entitled to a refund or rerouting but not compensation. 

Can I cancel and get a refund for my flight or holiday if it’s due to take place on a strike date?

If you choose to cancel a flight-only booking, it’s unlikely you’ll get a refund. It is better to wait to see if the airline cancels first.

However, if you want to move your package holiday, some companies are more flexible than others. Check T&Cs for the costs of moving or cancelling your holiday when you no longer wish to travel. 

Are there Border Force strikes planned in ferry ports?

There are currently no plans for Border Force to strike at UK ferry ports.

What can I do if Border Force strikes mean I miss my ferry?

If Border Force staff strike at ports, allow extra time as queues at the UK border in France will likely be longer than usual. 

It’s worth packing extra water and food, especially for those passengers driving, as you may be stuck in your car for an extended period. Make sure your phone is charged and you can access roaming, as you may need to rebook an alternative crossing via an app or website. 

You won't receive compensation if your journey is delayed. Industrial action and disputes are classed as 'extraordinary circumstances', meaning ferry companies won't pay out.

Discover the best and worst UK ferry routes in our survey results.