Strike action closes Scottish airports for second time in a week

Adam Robertson
Thu, 22 December 2022 

Three island airports are closed as a result of industrial action (Image: Jamie Simpson/Newsquest)

THREE island airports are closed for the second time this week as workers take industrial action in a dispute over pay.

Barra, Benbecula, and Sumburgh airports are shut on Thursday after members of the Unite union walked out.

Bosses at Highland and Islands Airports Limited (Hial) said that Stornoway Airport on the Isle of Lewis will open from 1pm to 7.45pm.


Elsewhere, Kirkwall Airport on Orkney will be open from 7.15am to 1pm but only for inter-island flights.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon and STUC demand UK Government action on rail strikes

The other Hial airports at Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Islay, Tiree, Wick and John O’Groats are operating as normal.

Thursday’s walk-out comes after workers took strike action on Monday.

The industrial action comes after the union members rejected the 5% pay rise they have been offered, with almost three quarters (73.5%) backing strike action in a ballot.

Inglis Lyon, Hial managing director, previously apologised for the disruption.

He said: “We deeply regret the disruption and inconvenience to our airline partners, passengers, and local communities that this action will cause.

“Against the backdrop of unprecedented financial pressures, we presented an enhanced pay offer to colleagues that maximised the flexibility within the Scottish Government’s pay policy, which Hial is bound by.

“We recognise the challenges colleagues face due to inflationary pressures and the cost-of-living crisis. However, the claim for a rise of at least RPI is unrealistic, and any further offer must be met from cost savings within existing budgets.

“We will continue dialogue with the trade unions in an attempt to avoid further industrial action.”

Unite confirmed that medical and other emergencies will be serviced from all Hial airports on both days.