Heathrow says most flights won’t be affected, but travellers should expect longer waiting times. (AP pic)
LONDON: Passengers at UK airports have been warned to prepare for disruption Friday as Border Force officials become the latest workers to go on strike.
The actions will affect London airports Heathrow and Gatwick, as well as Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Glasgow and the port of Newhaven. They will take place on Dec 23-26 and 28-31.
Steve Dann, the Border Force’s chief operating officer, said contingency plans should be able to keep “most, if not all ports open”.
Airports have reduced the number of flights arriving during the strikes, while airlines have been offering passengers the chance to switch to flights outside the strike dates without incurring extra fees or charges.
Heathrow has insisted the majority of journeys will be unaffected but said passengers should be prepared for longer waiting times at passport control, a warning repeated by major airlines.
Britain is in the midst of a series of strikes across various sectors including trains, buses, the Royal Mail, civil service and the National Health Service. Most concern pay levels, with UK inflation rising above 10% in recent months.
The Border Force strike is being organised by the Public and Commercial Services Union, which has demanded higher pay and more job security for members.
