As Gatwick Airport faces a series of strikes by baggage handlers and refuelling staff during the May half-term, travellers are bracing for potential disruptions. Staff from Red Handling and Red Line Oil Services have scheduled walkouts on various dates, including May 16–20, May 23–27, and June 1, coinciding with one of the busiest travel periods in the UK.
Dates of Disruption
Around 100 Red Handling employees, who work across baggage handling, check-in, and flight dispatching, are due to walk out on 18 May, 25 May, and 1 June.
Red Line Oil Services, which runs plane refuelling operations at Gatwick, are on strike between 16 and 20 May and 23 and 27 May.
Which airlines will be affected?
More than 40 airlines operate from Gatwick – across 150 short-haul and 40 long-haul destinations.
It is the largest UK hub for easyJet, with Ryanair, British Airways, TUI, Vueling and Wizz all flying from there too.
These strikes threaten to cause significant delays, cancellations, and baggage mishandling, particularly affecting the airlines easyJet and Ryanair, which have a substantial presence at Gatwick.
There is an Alternative
In contrast, private aviation offers a seamless and reliable alternative. Here’s why flying with Sentinel Aviation ensures a stress-free travel experience:
- Dedicated Terminals: Private jet travellers use exclusive terminals, avoiding crowded public areas and long security lines.
- Flexible Scheduling: Private flights operate on your schedule, reducing the risk of delays caused by external factors.
- Personalised Service: From ground transportation to in-flight amenities, every aspect of your journey is tailored to your preferences.
- Direct Routes: Private jets can access a wider range of airports, allowing for more direct flights and reducing travel time.
