UNITE has warned North Air to deliver a fair pay rise or its members will ground flights at Edinburgh airport by striking over the festive period.

Tanker drivers at the airport voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action after rejecting a 4.5 per cent pay offer, which they argue fails to redress years of real-terms pay cuts at North Air despite its pre-tax profits growing from £1.1 million in 2022 to £1.9m last year.

Talks at conciliation service Acas failed to produce an improved offer, meaning that strike dates affecting domestic and international flights over the festive period could be announced in a matter of days.

Unite industrial officer Carrie Binnie said: “Unite’s tanker drivers employed by North Air deserve a fair pay rise.

“They are highly skilled workers who provide a key service at Edinburgh airport.

“If strike action happens, which would cause widespread disruption over the festive season, then it’s on North Air’s heads. 

“Unless the company quickly comes to its senses, we will have no option but to issue strike dates in the coming days.”

North Air was contacted for comment. Edinburgh airport declined to respond to Unite’s warning.