Bournemouth Airport could be shut down next month as almost 80 workers are voting on whether to strike over pay.

The workers, who are part of the UK’s major union Unite, include those who refuel planes, handle luggage, manage security, assist with check-ins, and handle flight dispatch, among other roles.

With workers in so many sections of the airport involved in the dispute, any strikes would close the airport.

In turn, all flights would be grounded and flights into the airport would also be delayed or cancelled.

Bournemouth Airport accommodates more than 950,000 travelers annually and provides flights to 34 direct locations throughout Europe and North Africa, with TUI and Ryanair being the primary airlines operating these routes.

Flight routes to and from the airport include popular holiday destinations such as Tenerife, Rhodes and Faro.

Unite members have turned down a pay proposal that offered a 4.5 percent raise for the lowest earners, bringing their hourly rate to £12.22, and a 3 percent increase for those earning higher wages.

The workers argue that they have been facing difficulties due to the rising cost of living, asserting that the higher expenses for necessities effectively reduce their earnings in real terms.

Bournemouth Airport could be shut down next month as almost 80 workers are voting on whether to strike over pay

Bournemouth Airport serves over 950,000 passengers a year 

It offers flights to 34 direct destinations across Europe and North Africa primarily operated by airlines such as TUI and Ryanair

They’ve also highlighted that Bournemouth Airport is financially successful, having raised all its airport charges by 5 percent this year and invested over £50 million in airport expansion due to a rise in passenger traffic.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: ‘Bournemouth Airport is putting its own interests over those of the workers. 

‘We appreciate it is investing in its future, but members must not be left behind in the pursuit of that.

‘Our hardworking members deserve a fair pay rise and Unite will back them every step of the way.’

The ballot closes on 20 August, and any strike action could happen as early as the first week of September.

Regional officer Janet Wall commented: ‘We understand that any disruptions, such as flight cancellations and delays, would be very inconvenient for travelers, but our members feel they have no alternative but to consider striking.’

‘This is entirely the fault of the employer, who is financially prospering while our members struggle to afford the basics. 

‘We urge Bournemouth Airport to come back to the table and present Unite with a meaningful offer to avoid strikes.’

It comes as major strikes are set to hit 12 airports across Spain 

The walkouts involve Azul Handling, part of the Ryanair group who provide baggage handlers to several Spanish airports, and have been called by the General Union of Workers (UGT)

It comes as major strikes are set to hit 12 airports across Spain. 

The walkouts involve Azul Handling, part of the Ryanair group who provide baggage handlers to several Spanish airports, and have been called by the General Union of Workers (UGT).

They are in response to claims of ‘constant breaches’ of labour rights and ‘continuous precariousness’.

Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Seville, Alicante, Ibiza, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife South, Girona, Lanzarote and Santiago de Compestela airports are set to be affected.