Aberdeen Airport security staff back strike action over pay dispute

Unite says security staff employed by ICTS HBS at Aberdeen Airport have unanimously backed strike action after a pay ballot closed on June 17, raising the prospect of disruption during the summer travel period.

The union said talks with the employer are imminent and that it is waiting for an improved pay offer to resolve the dispute before any walkout takes place.

Paula Buchan, Unite industrial officer, said the vote showed the strength of feeling among the workforce. The dispute centres on pay.

What happened

The ballot of Unite members employed by ICTS HBS at Aberdeen Airport closed on June 17, 2026. Unite said the result was unanimous in favour of strike action.

The development means airport security operations could face disruption in the coming months if the dispute is not settled.

Wider airport pay round

The Aberdeen dispute comes amid a broader round of aviation pay talks in Scotland.

Earlier this week, strike action at Glasgow Airport was averted after pay deals were reached for ICTS and Menzies Aviation staff. At Aberdeen Airport, two other worker groups had already agreed pay settlements last week, but the ICTS HBS security staff remained in dispute.

Aberdeen Airport is owned and operated by AGS Airports.

What happens next

Unite said further talks are scheduled with ICTS HBS. The key question is whether the employer makes an improved offer that can settle the dispute and avoid strike action.

If no agreement is reached, the dispute could create knock-on effects for passengers travelling through Aberdeen Airport during the summer peak.