Strikes starting at top UK airport today – see if your holiday will be affected
HOLIDAYMAKERS flying from a popular UK airport have been warned that they face disruption as strikes begin this morning.
With schools breaking up for the summer holidays last week, it's currently one of the busiest times of the year to be travelling.
However, those flying from Luton Airport could face further delays, with strikes beginning this morning.
Parking and transport staff at the airport's car parks are holding two walkouts, with the first starting this morning and lasting until 6.29am tomorrow.
The second will run for 24 hours from 6.30am on Tuesday August 1 until 6.29 on August 2.
The strikes are being held over a pay dispute between APCOA parking staff and bosses.
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The workers taking action include valet parking workers and bus drivers transporting passengers and staff from car parks to the airport terminal.
Unite the Union has said that the strike will mean "disruption when accessing the airport and inevitably mean delays for passengers and staff who use the car parks and terminal".
Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said: “Strike action will inevitably cause disruption to staff and passengers moving between the car park and the airport."
However, a spokesperson for Luton Airport told Sun Online Travel: "Our car parks are currently operating as normal and there is no disruption."
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The strikes weren't due to be the only ones taking place this weekend, with Gatwick Airport's handling staff due to also be staging walkouts of their own.
However, the action was cancelled after workers accepted a pay increase offer.
Gatwick still faced chaos this morning however, with a fire alarm forcing passengers to be evacuated from the north terminal.
Pictures from the airport show crowds of holidaymakers huddled outside of the building amid the chaos.
Emergency services were seen at the terminal, with frustrated passengers taking to Twitter.
One wrote: "All of the North Terminal departures have been evacuated.
"We've been told delays aren't confirmed but should be expected."
Another disgruntled traveller added: "Great start to the holiday.
"Fire alarm in Gatwick departures so massive delay/backlog to get through security."
A Gatwick Airport spokesperson said: ";London Gatwick’s North Terminal was evacuated for a short time this morning due to a fire alarm being activated.
"As always, safety and security are our number one priority.
"We apologise to passengers for any inconvenience."
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Meanwhile, this popular airline has warned of more cancellations this summer.
And here is a full list of strikes that will affect your summer holiday.
