Aberdeen Airport's summer season has taken off with an unexpected twist - strikes by security staff responsible for baggage screening. Travellers are bracing themselves for significant delays as Unite union members stage walk-outs on no less than 14 dates between July 6th and August 1st, following a unanimous vote for industrial action.
The dispute centres on pay, with Unite stating that ICTS has failed to present an acceptable offer. These strikes coincide with the start of the school summer holidays in Aberdeen - a period typically seeing a surge in air travel. The union's members form the majority of the baggage screening team at the airport, indicating the potential for widespread impact on operations.
Unite has issued a stark warning to holidaymakers, advising them to anticipate significant delays and suggesting that ICTS is prioritising profits over its workforce. Unite noted that Aberdeen Airport's parent company reported annual profits of £7.6 million in 2025. ICTS's failure to offer a decent pay rise has been described as unacceptable by union leaders.
Sharon Graham, Unite General Secretary, accused the highly profitable ICTS of opting for airport disruption rather than engaging constructively to resolve the dispute. Paula Buchan, Unite Industrial Officer, reiterated that while strike action will undoubtedly cause considerable delays, there is still an opportunity for ICTS to re-engage in talks with a new offer that workers can accept.
The announced strike dates are 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 22nd, 24th, 26th, 28th, and 30th July, followed by a final day of action on August 1st.