(Image: Newsquest)
Strike action at Leeds Bradford Airport has been suspended to allow for new talks to be held.
More than 130 workers were due to walk out from Friday, October 23 until November 2, including air traffic controllers and hourly-paid staff such as passport control workers and passenger assistance.
Both groups have rejected recent pay offers from the airport but they have now agreed to pause industrial action to allow negotiations between Unite and the airport.
The talks will be brokered by the conciliatory service Acas.
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Neil Whitaker, regional officer for Unite, said: "Unite is determined to get the best deal for our members at Leeds Bradford Airport, who are a crucial part of their workplace’s success and deserve fair pay to reflect the demanding work they do.
"We have paused action in good faith to have talks with the airport and Acas in the coming days.
"However, our members still have a strong mandate for industrial action.
"Should these negotiations not lead to an improved deal that is acceptable to our members, we will not hesitate to announce strike action which will have a major impact on the airport."
Unite members in air traffic control are seeking pay parity with their colleagues at Newcastle Airport, which is also part owned by AENA and who earn more than those at Leeds Bradford Airport.
Many of the hourly-paid workers involved in the dispute are paid just above minimum wage, with Unite union saying they have been struggling to afford essentials.
Leeds Bradford Airport said the decision by Unite to withdraw the planned industrial action scheduled between October 23 and November 2 provided reassurance for thousands of passengers travelling through Leeds Bradford Airport during the October half term period.
A spokesperson said: "A revised pay offer remains on the table for both our air traffic controllers and our hourly-paid colleagues, and both Unite and LBA agree that ACAS support will be helpful to progress the discussions and it is anticipated that process will commence in the coming days.
"We remain focused on reaching a resolution that is fair, sustainable and in the best interests of our colleagues, customers and the airport.
"With all planned strike action now withdrawn, Leeds Bradford Airport will operate as normal throughout the October half term period, with no disruption expected to services.
"We would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding while discussions have been ongoing and look forward to welcoming passengers through the airport as normal."
Figures from the Civil Aviation Authority figures show passenger numbers at the airport increased from 3.99 million in 2023 to 4.22 million in 2024 and 4.45 million in 2025.
Passenger numbers during the first eight months of 2026 were higher than the equivalent period in 2025 in six of the eight months recorded.
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