Glasgow Airport travelers could encounter slower check-in and security lines this summer. Around 100 ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers, and managers plan a 48-hour Strike starting 6 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, after rejecting a 4 percent pay offer. The airport's operator, AGS Airports, says flights will continue, but it has warned of possible delays. The walkout lands in the middle of Scotland's busy "Glasgow Fair" holiday, adding pressure to an already crowded travel window. Unite the union insists the action will proceed unless management returns to talks.
Key Points
- Strike runs 6 a.m. July 24 - 6 a.m. July 26.
- Roughly 100 operational staff involved.
- Contingency plan keeps flights running, lines likely lengthen.
- Why it matters: peak-season disruption hits Scotland's second-busiest airport.
- Travelers should arrive early and monitor airline alerts.
Snapshot
Glasgow Airport (GLA), eight miles west of the city center, moves more than nine million passengers each year. The planned stoppage affects a cross-section of frontline employees critical to terminal flow, but it does not include air-traffic controllers, pilots, or cabin crews. Management has trained non-striking staff and drafted supervisors to cover essential posts. Airlines have not announced cancellations, yet many advise customers to arrive at least three hours before departure. For airport basics, see our Glasgow Airport (GLA) guide.
Background
The dispute dates back to March 2025 when Unite opened negotiations for a raise exceeding inflation. AGS Airports tabled several offers, the latest at 4 percent. Members voted 98.7 percent in favor of walkouts, calling the Proposal the "lowest on-site." Glasgow Airport, purchased in January for £1.53 billion by AviAlliance, posted a profit rebound in 2024 that unions use to justify higher wages. Two separate pay rows-airport security (ICTS) and ground handling (Swissport)-remain unresolved but are not part of this specific action.
Latest Developments
The standoff escalated on July 11 when Unite served formal notice of industrial action.
Union Demands
Unite seeks a package in line with Scottish wage growth and parity with sister airports Aberdeen and Southampton. Officials also want a transparent bonus structure and assurances against compulsory overtime.
Airport Response
AGS calls its offer "above inflation" and notes that 80 percent of wider AGS staff accepted similar terms. Management states it will open extra e-gates, redeploy managers to security lanes, and adjust staff rosters to maintain throughput.
Impact on Flights
While runway operations remain unaffected, any bottleneck at security could ripple into departure banks, causing knock-on delays. Long-haul carriers that rely on tight turnaround times may face schedule compression, and some regional routes could depart without all checked bags if ground operations lag. Travelers with tight connections or special-assistance requests should anticipate longer waits and plan accordingly.
Analysis
Summer strikes have become a fixture of European aviation, yet Scotland has largely avoided large-scale walkouts until now. The timing-during Glasgow Fair, when thousands leave the city-raises the stakes for both sides. By limiting the action to 48 hours, Unite preserves public goodwill while maximizing leverage. AGS, fresh off a high-profile Sale, risks reputational harm if customer experience deteriorates. Travelers stand to lose most, facing lost vacation time, rebooked hotels, and missed Tours. Booking flexible fares, keeping carry-ons light, and using mobile boarding passes can mitigate pain. U.S. passengers should remember that EU261 compensation rules apply only if a flight is canceled or significantly delayed; pre-strike warnings may reduce payouts.
Final Thoughts
Unless talks restart, Glasgow's 48-hour Strike will proceed, testing both AGS's contingency planning and traveler patience. Arrive early, keep documents handy, and track flight status frequently. With preparation, you can still pass through smoothly and enjoy Scotland's hospitality on the other side of the line-despite a turbulent start. Glasgow Airport strike.