Manchester United and Tottenham fans heading to the Europa League final in Bilbao could face travel chaos with a potential strike at Gatwick Airport
John Cross Chief Football Writer and Joshua Peck Assistant Sports Editor
16:50, 15 May 2025Updated 16:52, 15 May 2025
Estadio de San Mames
Bilbao's Estadio de San Mames will host the Europa League final(Image: Angel Martinez/UEFA)
Tottenham and Manchester United fans heading to the Europa League final could be in for a travel nightmare due to airport strike action, potentially leaving supporters significantly out of pocket.
The industrial dispute is set to disrupt flights departing from Gatwick Airport next Tuesday and Wednesday, just as fans are jetting off to Bilbao. Refuelling staff from Redline Oil Services Limited are striking after negotiations over new working conditions broke down.
Despite the potential for delays or cancellations, EasyJet continues to flog Gatwick to Bilbao flights for over £900. However, passengers won't be eligible for compensation as this situation is deemed an exceptional circumstance.
Unite members at Redline are planning to strike from Friday, May 16 to May 20 and then again from May 23 to May 27, having turned down the company's latest pay proposal. The budget airline is one of the firm's primary clients.
There's also the risk of further delays due to a backlog caused by the strike action, with fans already shelling out thousands to attend the all-English Europa League final, reports the Mirror.
Mason Mount of Manchester United looks dejected during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and West Ham United FC.
Manchester United have had a turbulent time under Ruben Amorim(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Supporters have splashed out on flights, travel and accommodation for the Tottenham and Manchester United match, but they now face potential travel turmoil and a possible financial blow due to the industrial action.
In related news, a planned strike by Red Handling workers at Gatwick Airport over late and missing pension payments has been put on hold to allow members to vote on new working conditions.
More than a hundred Unite members were all set to down tools this weekend, but they've hit the pause button on the strike action. The staff work in baggage handling, check-in, and flight dispatching.
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Unite's regional officer Ben Davis said: "Red Handling has returned to negotiations and made an improved offer and therefore Unite has suspended strike action to allow members to be balloted on the proposals."
It is understood EasyJet are confident contingency plans are in place and the schedule will not be affected.