Nearly 130 Unite union members at the airport, including air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security personnel and cleaners, will walk out for three days starting Friday 16 October.
The union claimed the industrial action will prevent flights from operating, with no air traffic control available to manage arrivals and departures between 16-18 October and insufficient staffing to support passengers through the terminal.
The disruption could affect several of the UK's largest airlines and operators, including Leeds-based Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, which counts LBA as its hometown airport and one of its biggest UK bases.
Jet2 is currently operating its biggest-ever programme from Leeds Bradford, with 65 destinations on sale. It plans to base 15 aircraft there next summer. The airport is also served by several other major carriers, including Tui and easyJet, as well as airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air and SunExpress.
'We have no choice but to strike'
Pay negotiations have been ongoing since December 2025, but the union said the airport's latest formal offer has failed to address what it describes as a "growing pay disparity" between Leeds Bradford and other UK airports.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said the airport was "very profitable" and could afford to improve its offer, with the airport recording a turnover of £61.5 million for the year ended 31 March 2025, up 14% from £54 million the previous year and its highest level on record. Passenger numbers are also expected to reach approximately 4.5 million this year.
Unite Regional Officer Neil Whitaker acknowledged the potential impact on travellers but said members had been left with no alternative. "We know people who have flights planned to and from Leeds Bradford airport will be concerned to hear of industrial action, however our members have no choice but to strike," he said.
"The airport is profitable, passenger numbers are growing and our members are a major part of its success. They deserve a fair pay rise, and management must come back to the table to deliver this."
Airport expecting 'near-normal' operations
LBA said it was "disappointed" by Unite's approach. "We respect the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action," said a spokesperson. "However, we do not believe strike action is the right way to resolve the issues still under discussion."
The spokesperson added the airport's priority was to "minimise disruption for customers" and, in stark contrast to Unite, that it was currently anticipating "near-normal operations" during the strike period.
"Leeds Bradford airport plays a vital role in connecting Yorkshire to the world," they continued. "Industrial action has the potential to cause inconvenience for thousands of customers and local businesses who rely on those connections.
"We remain committed to constructive dialogue with Unite and would welcome continued discussions aimed at reaching a resolution."
