Norwich International Airport Closes as Air Traffic Controllers Strike

Norwich International Airport closed to all air traffic for five hours on August 21, 2026, following a walkout by air traffic control staff. The closure, which lasted from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, forced KLM to cancel flights to and from Amsterdam and Loganair to cancel services between Norwich and Aberdeen. A TUI flight from Palma remained scheduled to land just as the closure ended.

The industrial action was organized by the Prospect union, which is demanding a 10% pay increase to align with industry standards, alongside improvements to parental leave and pensions. This walkout followed earlier industrial action on August 17, where the union cited dangerously low staffing levels and an over-reliance on staff goodwill to maintain safety.

Airport management expressed disappointment over the strike but stated they remain committed to resolving the dispute through constructive dialogue. Further disruption is expected on August 28, when the airport will undergo a full 24-hour closure due to additional planned strike action by Prospect members.