Glasgow Airport flights could be grounded during World Cup 2026

Around 900 workers, represented by Unite, are involved in pay disputes with companies based at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow airports.

The disputes could lead to widespread disruption during the busy summer travel period.

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Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, said: "Hundreds of workers across Scotland’s largest airports are heading towards summer strike action.

"The companies involved are all highly profitable.

"They can easily afford to give our members fair and reasonable pay offers but have decided to put boosting profits before people."

Unite members include workers employed by Edinburgh Airport Limited and Menzies Aviation, as well as ICTS staff in a range of roles critical to airport operations.

About 280 ground services crew employed by Menzies Aviation at Edinburgh and Glasgow have rejected unacceptable pay offers.

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This group includes dispatchers, allocators, airside agents, and controllers.

They support major airlines such as American, United, British Airways, Aer Lingus, Emirates, Lufthansa, Loganair, and Air Transat.

Menzies Aviation recently reported record global revenue of $3 billion.

A further 240 Unite members employed by ICTS at Aberdeen and Glasgow work in security search areas, processing passengers for flights.

ICTS (UK) Limited’s most recent annual accounts show profits of £7.6 million in 2025, up from £4.4 million the year before.

Industrial action ballots are underway at all three airports.

Strike action will take place if no resolution is reached.

Flights could be grounded at Glasgow Airport during peak summer season due to strike action (Image: McAteer Photograph)

Carrie Donoghue, industrial officer at Unite, said: "Any strike action would ground planes and passengers during an expectedly busy period with the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games.

"The blame for this situation arising will lie entirely with these extremely wealthy companies.

"They can end these disputes immediately, and in doing so they can give the travelling public peace of mind."

We reported last week that ICTS central search members based at Glasgow Airport are being balloted for strike action after they rejected an “unacceptable” pay offer from the company.

Unite has described the latest pay offers as "unacceptable" and is calling for improved terms in light of the company’s financial performance and the essential nature of the work carried out by its members.

Glasgow Airport has been approached for comment.