Airline EasyJet intends to run all of its scheduled flights despite Border Force strikes over the Christmas period. Members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) will walk out on December 23, 24, 25 and 26, followed by further strikes on December 28,29, 30 and 31.
Industrial action will affect Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Gatwick, Heathrow terminals 2,3,4 and 5, Manchester Airports, as well as New Haven port. EasyJet released the update even though Phil Douglas, director-general of Border Force, wrote to airlines asking them to cancel up to 30per cent of flights on strike days to avoid chaos at airports.
Although extensive passport checks are only carried out on arrival, there could still be delays to departures if planes are held after they land due to long queues.
READ MORE:
EasyJet said in a statement: “We are currently planning to operate our flying schedule, and as you would expect, we are in talks with the individual airports on their contingency plans.
“We want to take our customers on their planned trips at this important time of year and so we urge all parties to reach an agreement as soon as possible.”
EasyJet is allowing customers who have booked flights arriving at Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow on the strike days to change their travel date or have a flight voucher for the value of their ticket if they want to amend their plans.
For more of today's top stories, click here.
READ NEXT:
- Manchester Airport warns passengers of potential flight cancellations and longer immigration queues over Christmas
- MP calls for Harry and Meghan to be stripped of Duke and Duchess of Sussex roytal titles
- Urgent weather warning as Greater Manchester braced for FREEZING conditions over the weekend
- Avanti West Coast staff 'have no confidence train operator can improve', union says
- Royal Mail workers walk out in first day of strikes ahead of Christmas
