Aberdeen Airport security strikes averted after pay offer
Security strikes at Aberdeen Airport have been suspended after ICTS HBS Security made an improved pay offer on 4 July 2026. Unite baggage screening staff were due to walk out for 14 days from 6 July, but industrial action is paused while workers vote on the deal—narrowly avoiding major summer travel disruption at the airport.
The development follows weeks of pay tension. Negotiations between Unite and ICTS through Acas had failed to produce a breakthrough, and members had unanimously backed strike action. With Aberdeen schools having broken up for summer on 2 July, the timing raised alarm among holidaymakers.
Key Takeaways
- Unite has suspended all planned strike days at Aberdeen Airport pending a member vote on ICTS's improved pay offer.
- Baggage screening staff employed by ICTS were scheduled for 14 days of industrial action across July and August 2026.
- Union officials warned the walkouts would have caused significant delays, as Unite members make up the majority of the airport's baggage screening team.
- Summer strikes at Glasgow and Edinburgh airports were earlier averted after separate pay deals.
- Disruption is not fully ruled out—the outcome depends on whether workers accept or reject the new offer.
Why were Aberdeen Airport security staff set to strike?
The dispute centres on pay between Unite members and ICTS HBS Security, the contractor employing baggage screening workers at Aberdeen International Airport. According to the union, ICTS refused to make an acceptable pay offer, leaving members with no option but to strike after Acas-mediated talks stalled.
Unite industrial officer Paula Buchan said the company would rather cause massive disruption at the airport than work with Unite to resolve the dispute. ICTS had said it remained in active pay discussions, though union officials noted Unite represents the majority of the hold baggage screening operation.
The BBC reported that Unite had recently resolved two separate pay disputes at Aberdeen involving ICTS central search staff and Aberdeen Airport Limited workers.
What would the strike have meant for travellers?
Had the walkouts proceeded, passengers were warned to expect significant delays. The Independent reported strikes on alternating days from 6 July through 1 August, covering 14 dates during peak summer travel.
Because baggage screening is a core security function, industrial action would have rippled through check-in queues, hold baggage processing, and flight schedules. Aberdeen International Airport said robust contingency measures would be in place, but urged all parties to reach a constructive resolution.
How were the strikes averted?
On Saturday 4 July 2026, Unite announced it had suspended all scheduled industrial action after ICTS presented an improved pay offer. The union postponed walkouts to allow members to vote on whether to accept or reject the package.
Buchan welcomed the offer but criticised its timing, saying it should have been made earlier. She added that the improved offer has only come about because members stood firm and refused to back down.
The suspension averts disruption for thousands of Scottish holidaymakers. See our Future Tech & AI Wonders coverage for how technology is reshaping transport hubs—though this dispute shows human security staffing remains central to airport operations. Background on the original strike plans is available from the BBC.
What happens next at Aberdeen Airport?
Industrial action remains suspended only until the workforce ballot concludes. If members reject the offer, the 14 days of strike action could be reinstated across July and August.
ICTS had expressed hope that action would not take place, stating it was confident hold baggage operations would remain unaffected. Travellers should monitor updates from the airport, their airline, and Unite before assuming the dispute is fully settled.