Gatwick Airport is bracing for significant disruption over the Easter weekend as staff from Red Handling, the aviation ground handling service, prepare to strike.
The industrial action will run from April 18 (Good Friday) through to early morning on Tuesday, April 22, affecting baggage handlers, check-in agents and flight dispatchers.
The strike, organised by the Unite union, comes in response to several grievances from Red Handling employees.
More than 100 staff from the aviation ground handling service are set to walk out in protest.
'The planned industrial action will impact thousands of passengers'
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With the Easter holidays in full swing, families across the UK are making the most of school closures and jetting away.
Others are keen to maximise the two upcoming bank holidays with a weekend escape.
However, with strike action looming, thousands of holidaymakers travelling via the UK's second-largest airport.
According to the airline compensation specialists at SkyRefund, around 50 flights per day are expected to be affected during what is predicted to be the airport's busiest period.
Red Handling serves TAP Air Portugal, Norwegian, Delta, Saudia, Air Peace, Ethiopian and Air Mauritius.
A London Gatwick spokesperson told GB News: "We are aware of the recent ballot results and the planned industrial action by Red Handling, which will impact thousands of passengers during one of our busiest times of year.
"We are supporting the airlines impacted, who hold the contracts directly with Red Handling, with their contingency plans and are hopeful a resolution can be reached ahead of the proposed industrial action.
"Passengers are advised to contact their airlines directly for the latest information."
SkyRefund advised passengers travelling with these carriers to prepare for "widespread delays and cancellations" over the Easter period.
Travellers were told to expect long queues at check-in and security and baggage delays.
Last-minute flight cancellations also remain a possibility as the airport struggles to maintain normal operations during the strike period.
Head of Legal at airline compensation specialists SkyRefund Darina Kovacheva stated: "Passengers affected by this industrial action will be eligible for care and assistance from their airline, which must provide meals and refreshments appropriate to the delay time, and hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is necessary, including transport between the airport and hotel.
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Red Handling serves TAP Air Portugal, Norwegian, Delta, Saudia, Air Peace, Ethiopian and Air Mauritius
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"This applies after a two-hour delay for short-haul flights, a three-hour delay for medium-haul flights and a four-hour delay for long-haul flights.
"However, passengers are not entitled to financial compensation if the delay or cancellation is caused by 'extraordinary circumstances,' which includes strikes by airport staff, like baggage handlers who are not employed by the airline.
"However, we do advise passengers to keep receipts for any expenses incurred during the delay."
This comes as Britons faced widespread disruption following a Ryanair flight update.
