Norwich Airport faces closure on August 28 as staff set to strike

Air traffic control staff at Norwich Airport have announced a one-day strike on Friday August 28 in a dispute over pay, pensions and parental leave.

The Prospect union said the strike action will mean the airport will be unable to operate on August 28 – ahead of the bank holiday weekend – unless the airport takes action to resolve the dispute.

It said there have been “months of efforts” to resolve the ongoing dispute and members of the union have started action short of a strike – staff are working strictly to contract; refusing non-contractual overtime; not swapping shifts; and withdrawing goodwill.

The union said these measures are already highlighting how the airport’s air traffic control operation “relies heavily on staff goodwill to maintain safe staffing levels”.

It posted on social media: “Prospect members aren’t asking for special treatment.

“They’re asking for pay and conditions that reflect industry standards and match those of colleagues elsewhere in the sector.”

Prospect is demanding action “to bring pay in line with market comparators”, which would require a 10% pay rise. The airport has offered 3% for 2026 and the same for 2027.

David Avery, Prospect national secretary for aviation, said: “Our members in air traffic control are not making unreasonable demands, they are simply asking for pay levels and terms and conditions that are normal for their colleagues across the country.”

The union said there is still time to avoid disruption “but that depends on Norwich Airport returning to negotiations with an improved offer”.

A spokesman for Norwich Airport said: “It is disappointing that Prospect has chosen to announce further industrial action while negotiations to resolve the dispute are ongoing.

“We remain firmly committed to resolving this dispute through constructive dialogue and will continue to engage with Prospect with the aim of reaching agreement.”

Travellers have been told to check in as normal and to check with their airlines for updates.

The Norwich Evening News said there are direct flights on August 28 scheduled to Palma, Alicante, Dalaman, Corfu, Aberdeen and Amsterdam from Norwich Airport.