Gatwick Airport strikes threaten 50 flights during Easter weekend
Red Handling staff at Gatwick Airport announced a strike for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, 18–21 April, which could disrupt roughly 50 flights a day. The action also raises concerns for travelers across the UK and Europe.
On Thursday 10 April 2025 the UK airport strikes: everything you need to know website reported that Red Handling staff at Gatwick Airport had announced industrial action for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, 18–21 April. The walk‑out, involving flight dispatchers, baggage handlers and check‑in crew, could affect roughly 50 flights a day at one of Britain’s busiest airports.
Red Handling’s regional officer, David Taylor, said the company had “not paid outstanding pension contributions” and that workers were also facing “health and safety” issues due to inadequate break times. He called for immediate payment and compensation for lost retirement money.
Media additions
Gatwick Airport says it expects the Easter holiday to be its busiest period of the year so far, so there is no doubt that industrial action over the long weekend will be extremely disruptive for travellers – however this is a dispute entirely of Red Handling's own making.
How the Gatwick strike fits into a wider European crisis
UK and France have joined a pan‑European wave of strikes, with France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Greece also experiencing significant delays. The new Entry/Exit System (EES) has added biometric checks that can stretch queues to several hours, compounding the impact of the industrial actions.
Summer Air Travel in Europe Faces Major Delays due to Strikes and Staff Shortages notes that air‑traffic controller shortages, ground‑crew walkouts and the restriction of flight corridors because of the Ukraine conflict are all contributing to a “perfect storm” of delays. The article also points out that “delays and cancellations are expected on popular holiday routes to Southern Europe.”
Travel bloggers and consumer‑rights sites have compiled guides for holidays in 2026, highlighting the same issues. Europe Summer Travel 2026: Surviving Strikes, Border Delays & High notes that EES implementation will “add time to airport queues” and that “fuel surcharges remain high.” The guide also warns that “flight cancellations are already happening” and that “travelers should plan around known disruption dates.”
What this means for travellers
- Easter weekend (18–21 April): Gatwick flights could be delayed or cancelled. Passengers are advised to arrive early, check flight status regularly and be prepared for possible rebooking.
- Border checks: The EES will require biometric scans for non‑EU passengers at major airports, adding up to four hours to clearance times.
- Other UK hubs: Heathrow, Luton and other airports are also experiencing strikes or reduced staffing, which could further strain connections.
- European routes: Flights to Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal are at risk of delays due to ATC strikes and ground‑crew walkouts.
| Date | Location | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 18–21 April | Gatwick Airport (Red Handling) | Up to 50 flights a day may be delayed or cancelled. |
| 3–4 July | French ATC | Delays across France, UK, Ireland, Spain, Greece. |
| 18 June | Paris CDG & Orly (ground staff) | Reduced ramp staff, baggage delays. |
Travelers are urged to monitor the UK airport strikes page and the Aviation News updates for the latest developments.
What’s next?
The Red Handling dispute is still pending resolution.
For more detailed guidance on dealing with strike‑related delays, the UK airport strikes guide offers practical tips on rebooking, compensation claims and what to expect at airports during a strike.
