Norwich Airport Air Traffic Strike Disruption Continues As Flights Cancelled

Norwich Airport passengers have faced fresh disruption as an ongoing air traffic control industrial dispute combines with staff shortages, forcing the airport to close for lengthy periods and triggering flight cancellations.

The latest disruption came on Thursday, 3 September, when Norwich Airport was closed to air traffic from 6 am to 2 pm, 4 pm to 4.45 pm and 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm – a total of nine hours and 45 minutes.

The airport said the temporary closures were caused by air traffic control staff sickness alongside continuing industrial action, which reduced its ability to bring in additional cover.

KLM services between Norwich and Amsterdam were among those affected. Flights KL1054, KL1055 and KL1056 were cancelled, with passengers being contacted about rebooking arrangements.

The disruption is the latest stage of the Norwich Airport air traffic strike dispute, although Thursday’s closures were not themselves another 24-hour strike.

Air traffic controllers represented by Prospect began action short of a strike on 17 August. Measures include working strictly to contract, refusing non-contractual overtime, not swapping shifts and withdrawing goodwill.

Prospect argues that low staffing levels mean Norwich Airport has become reliant on employees working beyond their contractual requirements.

A five-hour closure followed on 21 August before a full 24-hour strike on Friday, 28 August, when Norwich Airport shut completely and no flights were able to operate.

The dispute centres on pay and employment conditions.

Norwich Airport says workers received a 3.5% increase in April and were offered another 3% from July 2026 followed by 3% from April 2027, which it describes as a cumulative increase of approximately 6.1%. The proposal also includes a 2% retention allowance.

Prospect has rejected the offer, arguing that pay and conditions remain uncompetitive and contribute to what it describes as chronic recruitment and staffing problems. The union is also seeking improvements to maternity and paternity provisions.

Passengers can follow the latest information through the Norwich Airport passenger updates, while Prospect is continuing to publish updates on the industrial dispute. Prospect’s Norwich Airport strike statement

What Should Norwich Airport Passengers Do?

Anyone due to fly from Norwich should check directly with their airline before leaving home, particularly while the industrial action remains unresolved.

If a flight is cancelled, UK passenger-rights rules normally require the airline to offer either a refund or alternative travel, while passengers waiting for replacement flights may also be entitled to reasonable food, refreshments and accommodation where necessary.

However, fixed cash compensation is less certain. The Civil Aviation Authority lists strikes involving airport staff or air traffic control among circumstances that can be considered outside an airline’s control.

Passengers can still retain rights to care, refunds and rerouting even where compensation is not payable.

The disruption comes during an already unsettled period for UK aviation.

Londoner recently reported on the Bristol Airport runway closure that caused cancellations and diversions, while passengers travelling onwards into Europe should also be aware of upcoming EU Entry/Exit System changes affecting UK travellers.

For Norwich passengers, the immediate issue remains whether staffing levels can support the published flight schedule while industrial action continues. Until the airport and Prospect reach an agreement, further short-notice disruption cannot be ruled out.