Seven airports in Scotland are to be shut due to strike action later this month.
The Prospect union has announced a series of 24-hour walkouts at the Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (Hial) airports in an ongoing dispute by air traffic controllers.
Strikes are planned for Inverness airport on July 21; Sumbrugh, Kirkwall and Wick on July 22; and Dundee, Stornoway and Benbecula on July 23.
More: Highlands and Islands airports face air traffic control strike action [March 19]
SPAA chief calls for ‘common sense’ to prevent airport strikes
Prospect negotiations officer David Avery said: “While we will seek to avoid disrupting major events as much possible, any strike action is disruptive by its nature, particularly during the school holidays.
“We would like to reiterate that we have been seeking to resolve this dispute for more than a year and this action is only being taken as a last resort.”
State-owned Hial’s managing director Inglis Lyon confirmed that the airports would be shut to air traffic on the strike days.
He said: “We are dismayed that Prospect has announced further days of strike action and apologise sincerely to our customers, passengers and local communities for the continued disruption.
“It is disheartening to have received a counter offer from Prospect that is beyond our affordability.
“Over the past eight months we have discussed various options with the union and have been clear throughout that any proposal must be affordable.
Prospect are aware of Hial’s budgetary restrictions and our latest offer constituted compromise to accommodate trade union demands within the bounds of the pay policy.
“We remain committed to resolving the dispute and our latest offer of a retention allowance of £10,000 over a five year period remains on the table.
“The continued industrial action is having a significant impact on our communities and the airlines operating from our airports. We would encourage Prospect to revisit the offer and bring this dispute to an end.”
More: Highlands and Islands airports face air traffic control strike action [March 19]
SPAA chief calls for ‘common sense’ to prevent airport strikes
