Major UK airport could shut down in September with flights cancelled

A major UK airport has warned it is facing a potential "shutdown" which would ground all flights. Bournemouth Airport serves over 950,000 passengers a year and offers flights to 34 direct destinations. However, all flights could be grounded as early as the first week of September.

Approximately 80 workers are being balloted on whether to take strike action over pay. The workers, members of the UK's leading union Unite, include plane fuellers, baggage handlers, security and check-in staff and flight dispatchers. With the union's members being employed in almost every sector of the airport, if Unite chose to strike it could throw the airport into chaos.

Members have unanimously rejected a pay offer of 4.5% for the lowest paid, bringing them up to £12.22 per hour, then 3% for the higher paid members.

The ballot closes in just over two weeks time on August 20. Any strike action could happen as early as the first week of September, throwing holidays into chaos.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Bournemouth Airport is putting its own interests over those of the workers. We appreciate it is investing in its future, but members must not be left behind in the pursuit of that.

"Our hardworking members deserve a fair pay rise and Unite will back them every step of the way."

Regional officer Janet Wall said: "We recognise that any flight cancellations and delays would be extremely disruptive and frustrating for travellers but our members feel they have had no choice but to start balloting for strike action.

"This is entirely the fault of the employer, who is financially prospering while our members struggle to afford the basics. We urge Bournemouth Airport to come back to the table and present Unite with a meaningful offer to avoid strikes."

A spokesman for Bournemouth Airport said: "We are in ongoing negotiations in good faith with Unite and remain hopeful that we can work constructively with them to reach agreement. We remain committed to keeping Bournemouth Airport as a vital economic asset for the region, our customers and for the people who work there now and in the future."

Bouremouth Airport see's on average 15 flights take off every day. Airlines flying direct from Bournemouth include Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI.

Flight routes to and from the airport include popular holiday destinations such as Tenerife, Rhodes and Faro.

Earlier this year Jet2 launched 16 exciting new routes from Bournemouth Airport, creating more than 100 jobs.