The most severe disruption is set to be caused by the walkout of workers at ground handlers GH London – who are responsible for Wizz Air’s ground handling operations – due to a breakdown in industrial relations.

The 100 plus workers, the union claims, are taking strike action as a result of GH London targeting a Unite rep with disciplinary action; the use of CCTV filming of workers in break rooms without agreement; failure to follow its own disciplinary and grievance process; and its failure to pay wages in full and on time. 

Further strikes have been announced for 6 and 13 September after last-ditch talks aimed at resolving the dispute held at the conciliation service Acas on Tuesday (29 August) ended without agreement.

The strikes come two days after an air traffic control meltdown caused chaos across the aviation industry, leading to the cancellation of a quarter of flights in and out of the UK on Monday (28 August).

Workers employed by Saase Limited on the airport’s outsourced cleaning contract will also go on strike on Wednesday (30 August) after they rejected a below-inflation pay increase.

Both groups of workers will also be joined by car park workers employed by APCOA. The workers are taking industrial action as a result of their company imposing a below-inflation pay offer.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Passenger delays and flight disruption are inevitable at Luton airport tomorrow. The strike action being taken is a direct result of the companies concerned failing to treat staff fairly and decently."

A Luton airport spokesperson said: "We have robust contingency plans in place and there is currently no impact to passengers."