Strike action to hit travellers flying to France from Luton over Christmas

EasyJet passengers flying from Luton face the prospect of delays and cancellations this Christmas after check-in and baggage handling staff confirmed six days of strike action.

Around 200 DHL-employed ground handlers, who work exclusively on easyJet operations at the airport, will walk out from 03.00 on December 19 to 03.00 on December 22, and again from 03.00 on December 26 to 03.00 on December 29. 

Workers’ union Unite said the action follows the rejection of a 4.5% pay offer.

It estimates that more than 400 flights could be affected across the two strike windows, including those to Paris Charles de Gaulle, Lyon and Nice.

Pay dispute and concerns over living costs

The union argues that DHL’s offer does not reflect soaring household expenses. It has also highlighted a discrepancy with Gatwick, where DHL staff performing the same roles earn around £3 an hour more.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “DHL and easyJet can comfortably afford to offer these workers an above-inflation pay rise. It is shameful that hardworking members cannot afford the basics and they are paid less than their counterparts.”

She added that the strike is “entirely of their making” and urged both companies to “come back to the table with a fair pay offer”.

Jeff Hodge, Unite’s regional officer, said: “We know passengers set to fly easyJet from Luton on these dates will be concerned, but the dispute is entirely the fault of DHL, who can well afford to pay these workers a wage they can live on but are choosing not to.”

Airline and DHL responses

EasyJet, which has recently added new flights to France, said it was “disappointed” by the planned walkout but added that it expects to run its full flying programme. 

“Should this action go ahead, we will work closely with the airport and DHL to ensure that robust contingency plans are in place to minimise any disruption,” a spokesperson told Sky News

DHL said 57% of Unite members at the Luton operation had voted in favour of strike action.

A DHL spokesperson said: “Our current pay offer is above inflation and continues to build on four consecutive years of above-inflation pay increases. We remain committed to constructive talks to reach a solution.”

Both organisations say they have contingency measures ready.

Impact on Christmas travel

The Civil Aviation Authority expects this to be the busiest Christmas in UK aviation history, with millions of travellers due to fly. 

The walkouts fall across two major getaway periods, including Boxing Day, when airports traditionally experience heavy traffic.

Passengers travelling to France and other European destinations are advised to check their flight status regularly and prepare for possible delays at check-in and baggage drop, even if flights operate as scheduled.

Luton Airport said it is working with its partners to “understand the contingencies” available.