Strike dates change constantly, so always check the current position before you travel rather than relying on any list of dates. In general, Border Force passport-control strikes hit arrivals hardest, while security-officer strikes affect departures. Airlines and the airport usually run contingency plans, so many flights operate, but expect longer queues and possible delays. Checked August 2026.
Why this page does not list dates
Industrial action is announced, suspended and settled at short notice, and a list of dates goes out of date the moment a dispute moves on. Publishing old strike dates as if they still apply is worse than useless, so this guide explains how strikes affect you and how to check the live position, rather than naming days that may already have passed.
As of August 2026, a Border Force dispute over new rostering arrangements has led to periods of strike action at Heathrow, and disputes like this recur across the year. That is a snapshot, not a schedule. Before you travel, confirm whether any action falls on your dates using the sources below.
The two kinds of strike, and who they hit
Different groups of workers affect different parts of your trip.
Border Force officers staff passport control on arrival. When they strike, arriving passengers feel it most, because fewer desks are open and the queue to clear immigration grows. The eGates can keep eligible travellers moving, but a serious shortage of officers still lengthens waits, especially during the busy early-morning long-haul bank. See our guide to passport control queues at Heathrow arrivals for typical wait times even outside a strike.
Security officers screen departing passengers. When security staff take action, the pinch is on the way out, at the search lanes, which can mean longer waits to get airside. Ground-handling, check-in and other airport or airline staff can also take action at times, which may affect bag drop, boarding and specific airlines rather than the whole airport.
What actually happens on a strike day
The headline is usually less dramatic than feared. Heathrow and the Home Office run contingency plans, bringing in trained cover and extra resources, and in past disputes both have said passengers were able to travel relatively smoothly. Most flights still operate.
That said, plan for friction. Expect longer queues at the affected point, whether that is passport control on arrival or security on departure, and allow extra time. Some airlines proactively adjust or consolidate schedules around known action, so a small number of flights may be cancelled or retimed even when the airport keeps running. The effect is rarely uniform, so your experience depends on your terminal, your airline and the time of day.
How to check the current position
Before you travel, do three quick checks. First, look at your airline, which will contact you directly if your specific flight is cancelled or retimed and is the authority on your booking. Second, check Heathrow's own channels and app for live travel advice and security wait times. Third, follow reputable news coverage for whether action is confirmed, suspended or settled for your dates. Our Heathrow news feed flags major disruptions as they are announced.
What to do if a strike hits your dates
If action is confirmed for when you fly, give yourself a bigger time buffer than usual, particularly on arrival if Border Force is involved and on departure if it is security. Check in online and travel with hand luggage where you can, to reduce the steps that can be slowed down. Keep an eye on your airline's messages right up to departure.
On your rights, if your flight is cancelled your airline must offer a refund or rebooking under UK rules, and depending on the circumstances you may be entitled to care such as meals and accommodation for long delays. Compensation rules are more limited when disruption is outside the airline's control, which can include third-party strikes, so check your airline's terms and the current UK guidance for your situation.
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Frequently asked questions
Are there strikes at Heathrow right now? Strike dates change constantly, so check the live position before you travel. As of August 2026 a Border Force dispute over rostering has caused periods of action, but this is a snapshot. Confirm your dates with your airline and Heathrow's channels.
Do Heathrow strikes affect arrivals or departures? It depends who is striking. Border Force passport-control strikes hit arrivals hardest, lengthening immigration queues. Security-officer strikes affect departures, at the search lanes. Other staff disputes can affect check-in, bags or specific airlines.
Will my flight be cancelled if there is a strike at Heathrow? Often not. The airport and Home Office run contingency plans and most flights operate, though some airlines retime or consolidate services around known action. Your airline will contact you directly if your flight is affected.
How do I check if a strike affects my Heathrow flight? Check your airline first, as they are the authority on your booking, then Heathrow's app and travel advice, and reputable news for whether action is confirmed or suspended for your dates.
What are my rights if a strike disrupts my flight? If your flight is cancelled, your airline must offer a refund or rebooking, and long delays can trigger a duty of care such as meals and accommodation. Compensation is more limited when the cause is outside the airline's control, so check current UK guidance.
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Last verified August 2026 by the Heathrow Airport Guide editorial team. Prices and timetables change, so confirm the specifics on the official Heathrow Airport website before you travel.