EasyJet is warning passengers arriving in the UK over Christmas that they could be waiting more than two hours to have their passport checked.
In a travel update it said that long queues are expected at six UK airports due to passport staff walking out for a 72-hour strike beginning on Thursday 29th December and ending at 03:59 on Sunday 1st January.
Local travel agent Shaun Jones of Now Lets Travel Swindon said ‘It would appear that the Border Force strikes will affect passengers arriving at London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow and Manchester airports.’
‘Bristol Airport will not be affected by the strike action.’
EasyJet said there could also be some disruption on 26th and 31st December.
It told passengers: “We’ve been advised that queues at passport control could be more than 2 hrs long, for all passengers arriving into the UK at Gatwick, Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester Airport.
“If you’re due to fly with us over this period, we’ll work hard to keep you informed and make your trip as easy as possible this Christmas.”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said of the strike action: “This is a classic case of an employer that can fully afford to pay workers a fair pay increase but has chosen not to.
“Menzies needs to stop making excuses and make a pay offer that meets our members’ expectations.”
