Travelers passing through Gatwick Airport face major disruption after Unite announced two waves of industrial action by baggage screeners employed by ICTS. The walkouts are set for August 22–26 and August 29–September 2, 2025, dates that cover the busy August Bank Holiday weekend and late-summer departures. Unite says the action will affect security checks at departure gates and is likely to hit flights across carriers during both periods.
The strike involves baggage screeners who work for ICTS, a third-party contractor at Gatwick Airport responsible for passenger and bag screening at gates. Unite says the dispute is about pay and centers on workers’ call for a £1-per-hour rise. Union officials describe the screeners as among the lowest paid at the airport, earning just above the legal minimum, and argue that a modest increase is fair given the demands of gate screening and the cost of living.

Unite points to strong recent company results as part of its case. According to the union, ICTS’s turnover has risen 110% since 2020, reaching £170.59 million in 2024. Profits before tax grew 46.9% in 2024, to £6.1 million, the union says. Unite’s General Secretary Sharon Graham condemned ICTS’s stance, calling it “corporate greed,” and pledged full support for members until a deal is reached.
Unite Regional Officer Ben Davis said the employer bears responsibility for disruption and urged Gatwick Airport to press ICTS to improve its offer. In response, Gatwick Airport said this is an industrial issue involving a third-party supplier. The airport added it is working with partners to lessen the impact and hopes the parties reach an agreement before the action begins.
Union officials warn the strike could expand if talks fail. That possibility adds pressure on airlines, ground handlers, and passengers during one of the year’s busiest travel windows. The August Bank Holiday weekend, from August 23 to 25, often brings full flights, larger families traveling together, and tight schedules for both leisure and business trips.
What travelers should expect during the strike periods
Unite says the action will cause significant disruption to flights departing Gatwick during both strike windows. The pressure point is security screening at the gates, where ICTS staff play a key role.
If fewer screeners are available, bottlenecks can build during boarding and at secondary checks. Those delays can then ripple through aircraft turnaround times, affecting schedules across multiple flights.
Airlines may respond by:
– Adjusting schedules
– Reassigning aircraft
– Consolidating flights
These measures aim to cope with reduced staff but can mean cancellations, delays, and gate changes for passengers.
Who is most affected
- Business travelers: risk missed meetings, extra costs, and last-minute itinerary shifts.
- Families and holidaymakers: may face delays that cut into planned vacations.
- Passengers with same-day connections: should allow extra time and consider backup plans.
Gatwick Airport says it is working with contractors and airlines to ease the impact. Actions may include bringing in staff from other operations, requesting schedule changes from carriers, and spreading demand across terminals. These steps can help but rarely fully remove strain on peak days.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the best approach for passengers during industrial action is simple: stay close to official updates, add extra time at the airport, and keep flexible plans. That advice matches guidance from airlines and the airport.
For official information about airline delay or cancellation processes, refer to UK government guidance for passengers on air travel disruption at: https://www.gov.uk/flight-delays-compensation. This page is a reliable source when you’re weighing options after a schedule change.
Union demands, company response, and airport stance
The union’s demand—an across-the-board £1-per-hour rise—sits at the center of the dispute. Unite says the figure reflects a modest adjustment recognizing the frontline role of screeners in keeping aircraft on time and passengers moving.
Unite’s financial case highlights:
– 110% jump in ICTS turnover since 2020
– £170.59 million revenue in 2024
– 46.9% rise in pre-tax profit to £6.1 million in 2024
“Refusing a fair rise while profits expand amounts to ‘corporate greed,’” — Sharon Graham
Ben Davis has urged Gatwick to press ICTS to improve its offer to avoid chaos during one of the most sensitive travel weeks of the year.
Gatwick Airport maintains it is not a party to the pay talks and is coordinating with third-party suppliers and airlines to reduce the impact. The airport is urging all sides to find a solution before the strike dates. This stance is typical when the employer is a contractor rather than the airport itself.
Unite has signaled that if no deal emerges, the action could continue or grow beyond the currently listed dates. That possibility is important for travelers planning trips into early September and for businesses relying on smooth staff movement through Gatwick.
Practical steps if you’re booked to fly
Follow these steps to reduce disruption risk:
- Check your flight status often via your airline’s app, text alerts, and website.
- Arrive earlier than usual to allow for possible line buildups at security and gates.
- Keep flexible plans, including alternative flights or routes.
- Contact your airline now about backup options if you must travel during strike windows.
- If your flight is changed, respond quickly to rebooking offers to secure preferred times.
- Monitor official notices from Gatwick Airport and Unite for any changes to dates or scope.
Additional traveler tips:
– Book refundable hotels or car rentals where possible.
– Store key documents on your phone and in paper form.
– Avoid tight same-day meetings after arrival.
– Employees traveling for work: line up video alternatives for meetings.
– Finance teams: be ready for reissue fees or fare differences.
– Families with young children: bring snacks and basic supplies for longer waits.
Current status and outlook
ICTS has not issued detailed public statements on the dispute. Union sources say talks remain possible, but no agreement has been announced. Airlines are expected to contact affected passengers directly if schedules change — keep your contact details current in your airline profile to avoid missing messages.
The airport’s ability to reduce the impact will be closely watched across the aviation sector, since contractors perform many critical functions at large hubs. The post-pandemic labor market has seen frequent disputes over pay and conditions in ground roles that keep aircraft moving. With the summer season in full swing, even small staffing gaps can lead to meaningful delays when terminals are crowded.
If you can, consider flying outside the strike windows. If not, plan for longer airport times and be ready to move quickly if your airline offers earlier or later flights on the same day. Staying informed — and calm — will make a difference while the parties seek a deal.
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This Article in a Nutshell
Unite plans two Gatwick baggage-screener strikes: August 22–26 and August 29–September 2, 2025. ICTS staff demand a £1 hourly rise as turnover hit £170.59m in 2024. Gatwick says it’s coordinating with partners to reduce disruption, while airlines and passengers should expect delays, cancellations, and last-minute schedule changes.