Air traffic controllers to strike over pay and conditions
Members of Prospect at Norwich Airport will walk out for 24 hours after talks failed to make a breakthrough
Last updated 27th Aug 2026
Air traffic control staff are to strike on Friday after they rejected an offer aimed at resolving a dispute over pay and conditions.
Members of Prospect at Norwich Airport will walk out for 24 hours after talks failed to make a breakthrough.
The air traffic control staff have already been taking action short of a strike including working to contract and withdrawal of goodwill.
The union claimed there were recruitment problems linked to pay and conditions.
Prospect national officer David Avery, said: “We have given Norwich Airport every opportunity to come to us with an acceptable offer that will close the pay and conditions gap with the rest of the country and help tackle the chronic staff shortages.
“While there has been some movement it is nowhere near enough to address the long-term staffing problems at the airport.
“As such we have no choice but to continue with strike action as planned.”
Norwich Airport said in a statement: “Following a 3.5% pay increase in April 2026, the airport is offering a further 3% consolidated increase from July 2026 and another 3% from April 2027 – a cumulative increase of approximately 6.1%.
“This is alongside an additional 2% retention allowance, which employees could choose to direct into their pension through salary sacrifice.
“The employees concerned have received pay increases totalling approximately 25% over the past three years, and our benchmarking shows our latest offer would result in most roles being paid at or above the average for comparable regional airports.
“Prospect is also seeking four weeks’ paid paternity leave and enhanced maternity provision for this group. Introducing benefits for one small group that are not available to the wider workforce would not be fair or financially sustainable for Norwich Airport.
“Despite the significant movement made by the airport, Prospect has not provided constructive feedback. Our offer remains available and we are asking Prospect to engage constructively to reach an agreement and avoid unnecessary disruption to passengers and the wider Norfolk community.”