Gatwick Strikes: No Payout for Missed Holidays, Passengers Warned

Passengers flying from Gatwick Airport over the Easter weekend are being warned they may not receive compensation if they miss part of their holiday due to strike-related disruptions.

Hundreds of baggage handlers and flight dispatchers employed by Red Handling are set to walk out during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, as announced by the Unite union. The industrial action threatens to disrupt operations for airlines including Delta, TAP, Air Peace, and Norwegian, with an estimated 50 flights per day expected to be affected.

Legal experts from aviation claims firm SkyRefund have cautioned that under current regulations, strikes involving airport staff are classified as “extraordinary circumstances.” This means airlines are not legally required to provide financial compensation for delays caused by such events.

SkyRefund CEO Ivaylo Danailov explained to the Standard that passengers missing parts of their holiday or key events due to these strikes are unlikely to receive any reimbursement. “Airlines will likely arrange replacement flights within a day or two, but that could mean travellers lose valuable vacation time,” he said.

He emphasized that compensation is typically only owed when the airline itself is responsible—such as in cases of technical issues, scheduling problems, or insufficient staffing. Since the striking workers aren’t directly employed by the airlines, the delays fall outside airline control.

Despite this, airlines still have a duty of care to their passengers. In the event of significant delays, customers are entitled to either rebooking or a full refund. Airlines must also cover necessary expenses, including food and accommodation, while travellers wait for an alternative flight.

However, Danailov noted that during major disruptions, airlines often struggle to provide timely assistance due to high demand and limited hotel availability. “Response times can be painfully slow, with customers facing hours-long waits just to speak with support staff,” he said.

He strongly advised passengers to keep all receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses, as these can later be submitted for reimbursement. “You have up to six years to make a claim in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland—and five in Scotland. Even if you don’t claim immediately, there’s still time.”