Aberdeen Airport Strike Ballots: What You Need to Know

01 June, 2026

Staying ahead of disruption is part of what we do. Right now, that means making sure our clients are aware of two new industrial action ballots under way at Aberdeen International Airport.

Unite, Scotland's leading aviation union, confirmed on 29 May 2026 that approximately 70 Aberdeen Airport workers, including airfield operators, firefighters, technicians and administrative staff, are being balloted over a pay dispute. That ballot closes on 10 June.

Running in parallel, a separate ballot covering ICTS security staff at Aberdeen has already seen workers vote emphatically in favour of strike action after rejecting a pay offer. Those security personnel work directly in passenger search areas and flight processing zones, pinch points that, if disrupted, can bring departures to a standstill. Their ballot closes on 17 June, with any potential action expected to coincide with the summer peak.

While Aberdeen remains the focus for many energy and offshore travellers, the situation comes amid wider industrial unrest across Scotland's aviation sector. Workers at both Edinburgh and Glasgow airports have also backed potential strike action in separate pay disputes.

With Aberdeen serving as a major gateway for offshore personnel movements, even minor disruption can have a cascading effect on crew rotations, vessel schedules and time-critical travel.

Our business travel consultants are already monitoring developments across Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports. We'll keep clients updated as the situation evolves and work proactively to minimise disruption to critical crew and business travel.