Norwich Airport faces closure on August 28 as staff set to strike

Norwich Airport could be forced to close on Friday August 28 after air traffic control staff announced a one-day strike over pay, pensions and parental leave. Prospect union said the airport will be unable to operate that day unless the dispute is resolved. The union described months of attempts to settle the disagreement and said members have taken “action short of a strike,” including working strictly to contract, refusing non-contractual overtime, not swapping shifts, and withdrawing goodwill. Prospect argued the operation relies heavily on such goodwill to maintain safe staffing levels. It is seeking measures to bring pay in line with market comparators, which would require a 10% rise. Norwich Airport has offered 3% for 2026 and 3% for 2027, and urged a return to negotiations.