Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (Hial) confirm that Inverness Airport and other Highland sites will close to all flights for 24 hours when Prospect union air traffic controller strike takes place on May 23; Hial chiefs 'bitterly disappointed'
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"BITTERLY disappointed" air bosses have confirmed that Inverness Airport will close to all flights for 24 hours when strike action takes place later this month.
The Prospect union this morning announced plans for a 24-hour walk-out by air traffic controllers on May 23 in a row with Highlands and Islands Airports (Hial) over pay.
Inverness is one of several Hial sites which will be affected be the strike.
Making the announcement Prospect accused Hial of "abusing" their trust and of failing to come back with revised pay proposals after a previously planned strike was called off to allow for further talks.
Responding to Prospect's announcement, Hial managing director Inglis Lyon, said: “We are bitterly disappointed talks have not delivered a resolution.
"The union continues to insist on a double-digit wage increase that greatly exceeds government pay policy.
"In addition, the evidence provided in the analysis of air traffic controller pay at non-Hial airports that Prospect jointly undertook with Hial does not support a double-digit pay award.
"We are progressing on the assumption strike action will go ahead. We will work closely with our airlines to minimise potential disruption wherever possible.”
The following airports will close to air traffic for the 24 hour period on May 23:
• Benbecula
• Dundee
• Inverness
• Kirkwall
• Stornoway
• Sumburgh
• Wick
Passengers should check out Hial's website for up to date information.
