Passengers are being urged to check with their airline before travelling to the airport
The airport apologised for any disruption caused(Image: Getty)
An international airport in the UK has confirmed that it will be temporarily closed. Norwich Airport announced on social media that it would be closed between 8am and 1pm tomorrow (Friday, August 21).
This is apparently due to ‘ongoing industrial action’ involving certain members of air traffic control. The airport apologised for any disruption caused.
Passengers are being urged to check with their airline before travelling to the airport to catch their flight. In a post entitled ‘Industrial Action – Important passenger update – Friday 21 August, a statement on the airport’s social media account said: “Due to the ongoing industrial action, short of a strike, involving Prospect union members in Air Traffic Control, Norwich Airport will be closed to air traffic between 08:00 and 13:00 tomorrow, Friday 21 August.
“Airlines have been informed of the closure. Passengers should check with their airline for the latest information about their flight before travelling to the airport. We apologise to passengers for the inconvenience this may cause.
“Discussions with Prospect are continuing and we remain committed to resolving the dispute through constructive dialogue.”
A further statement on the website added: “The Prospect union has informed us that its Air Traffic Control members at Norwich Airport have voted in favour of industrial action, short of a strike, from 17th August in relation to pay and conditions.
“Discussions are continuing and we are firmly committed to resolving this dispute through constructive dialogue that avoids disruption to airport operations.”
‘Extremely disappointing’
Prospect members are reportedly demanding a 10 per cent pay rise, having only been offered 3 per cent so far.
David Avery, the union’s national secretary for aviation, said: “It is extremely disappointing that we have still not received an acceptable offer from Norwich Airport, which has left us with little choice but to push ahead with this industrial action
“Our members in air traffic control are not making unreasonable demands. They are simply asking for pay levels and terms and conditions that are normal for their colleagues across the country.”
A spokesperson for Norwich Airport said: “It is disappointing that Prospect has chosen to announce further industrial action while negotiations to resolve the dispute are ongoing.
“We remain firmly committed to resolving this dispute through constructive dialogue and will continue to engage with Prospect with the aim of reaching agreement.”