Sumburgh Airport to close for three days as staff go on strike

SUMBURGH Airport will close for three days later this month as part of strike action, it has been confirmed.

Operator Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) said the strike will close the airport on 21, 22 and 23 February.

It comes as members of the Unite union working across the HIAL network strike over pay.

Other airports due to close over the three days include Barra, Benbecula, Kirkwall, Stornoway and Tiree. Dundee will closed on 17 and 20 February.

It follows previous strike action across the HIAL network on 19 and 22 December.

More information released by HIAL can be found here. People with flights to or from Sumburgh on the strike days are advised to contact Loganair.

The last offer from government owned HIAL comprised of a five per cent basic pay award to all staff earning less that £80,000, and a four per cent basic pay award to all staff earning more that £80,000.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham previously said: “These workers provide a lifeline, connecting the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

“The work they do is vital in maintaining these communities. They should therefore expect and deserve a pay increase that reflects that.”