Flights at Norwich Airport in the UK experienced operational disruptions on August 19, 2026, due to strike action by air traffic control staff. Members of the Prospect union, who work at the airport, initiated industrial action earlier that week on August 17 by restricting their work strictly to contracted hours and refusing overtime, shift swaps, and goodwill work.
Dispute Over Pay and Working Conditions
The strike action by Prospect members is part of an ongoing dispute over pay and terms. The union demands a 10% pay increase alongside improved maternity and paternity leave. Norwich Airport management has offered a 3% salary rise, which the union considers
insufficient. David Avery, Prospect’s national secretary for aviation, said the union’s air traffic control members are seeking pay and conditions that align with their counterparts across the UK.
Impact on Passengers and Airport Response
The industrial action has caused delays and cancellations at Norwich Airport, affecting passengers during the bank holiday period. A full-day strike is planned for August 28, 2026, a particularly busy travel day, and is expected to cause further significant operational disruption because of extremely low staffing levels in air traffic control. Norwich Airport issued a statement expressing disappointment over the strike announcement but reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing negotiations with Prospect to
resolve the dispute.
