Holidaymakers set to travel from Glasgow Airport next week have been given a welcome reprieve after a planned strike by airport workers was suspended, averting potential disruptions during one of the busiest periods of the year.
Approximately 100 employees, including airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers, and managers employed by Glasgow Airport Ltd., had been poised to walk out in a 48-hour strike scheduled from 6 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, until 5:59 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The industrial action was the result of a pay dispute, with the workers rejecting a 4% pay offer from the airport management.
The strike, announced by the Unite union, threatened to cause significant delays and cancellations during the traditional Glasgow Fair fortnight — a time when the airport experiences peak summer traffic. This would have been the first summer holiday season since the airport was acquired by AviAlliance, a company that took ownership of AGS Airports, including Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Southampton, in January 2025 for £1.53 billion.
However, according to statements from Glasgow Airport Ltd., the strike has now been suspended to allow for further dialogue over the pay offer. A spokesperson for the airport said, "We have been informed by Unite that the planned industrial action for 24 to 26 July has been suspended to allow for further dialogue regarding our pay offer of 4%." Unite the Union has yet to issue a formal comment on the suspension.
The decision to call off the strike comes as a relief to the tens of thousands of passengers who were expected to travel through Glasgow Airport during this busy period. Given the potential for severe disruptions, the suspension of industrial action is seen as a positive development for both travelers and the airport's operations.
Glasgow Airport Ltd. reported making £40.65 million in its latest recorded accounts, highlighting the airport's significant economic role in the region. The workforce, represented by Unite, had overwhelmingly supported industrial action, with 98.7% of members backing the strike after rejecting the pay offer.
The planned strike would have involved a diverse group of staff critical to airport operations, from customer-facing ambassadors who assist travelers to engineers responsible for maintaining essential infrastructure. Such a walkout during the peak summer season could have severely impacted flight schedules and passenger experiences.
The backdrop to this dispute is the airport's recent change in ownership. AviAlliance's acquisition of AGS Airports earlier this year marked a new chapter for Glasgow Airport, with the company investing in the future of the airport network. However, this transition also appears to have brought challenges in labor relations, as evidenced by the pay dispute leading to the threatened strike action.
Unite's announcement of the strike last week triggered concerns about travel chaos, especially as summer holidays are a critical revenue period for the airport. The union had emphasized the rejection of the 4% pay offer, which workers felt did not reflect their contributions or the rising cost of living.
While the suspension of the strike provides temporary relief, it also signals that negotiations are ongoing. The airport and union representatives are expected to continue talks in the coming days to reach an agreement that satisfies both parties and prevents future disruptions.
For now, passengers can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing their travel plans are less likely to be upended by industrial action. Yet, the situation remains fluid, and the outcome of the negotiations will be closely watched by employees, management, and travelers alike.
This episode underscores the delicate balance between labor rights and operational demands at major transport hubs. Glasgow Airport's experience is a reminder that even as airports expand and change hands, the human element—workers who keep the wheels turning—remains central to smooth operations.
As the dialogue continues, stakeholders hope for a resolution that recognizes the value of the workforce while maintaining the airport's reputation as a reliable gateway for Scotland's travelers.
