Train, Pilot Strikes May Hamstring British Airports

Air travelers already coping with long delays at London airports because of increased security could soon face further inconvenience from strikes by pilots and airport train workers.

The 46 drivers on the Gatwick Express connecting the airport to central London plan a series of one-day strikes on August 29 and September 11, 22 and 25 to protest a pay offer from their employers.

Gatwick Express said it would hold further talks with the union and was working on contingency plans to keep trains running if the strikes go ahead.

Gatwick Express managing director Peter Cotton said the company was disappointed by the union´s strike plan and had worked with the union for eight months to try to reach a deal.

Airports have been struggling to adapt to strict new security requirements that include tighter limits on carryon bags and a ban on any liquids in cabins.