Heathrow strikes to cause chaos on World Cup flights right before England game
Brits planning to fly to Qatar for England's first game in the World Cup could be hit with delays and travel chaos, as Heathrow Airport is due to be hit with strikes days before the match.
Workers employed by Dnata and Menzies, who operate at Heathrow, are due to strike for three days; November 18, 19 and 20.
England's first World Cup match, against Iran, is currently scheduled for November 21 meaning that fans planning to fly over for the games could face delays and disruption.
READ MORE: World Cup ticket holders will need special entry permit to visit Qatar
Notably, Qatar Airways will be affected, despite having scheduled an additional 10 flights a week during the World Cup.
Other airlines expected to be affected include Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines, Cathay-Pacific and Emirates, with the strikes taking place at Heathrow's terminals 2, 3 and 4.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said as part of a statement: "Our members at Dnata and Menzies undertake highly challenging roles and are simply seeking a decent pay rise. Both companies are highly profitable and can fully afford to make a fair pay increase."
A Heathrow spokesperson said: "We are aware of proposed industrial action from Dnata and Menzies colleagues at Heathrow, and we are in discussions with our airline partners on what contingency plans they can implement to support their ground handling should the strike go ahead.
"Our priority is to ensure passengers are not disrupted by airline ground handler shortages."
Brits planning to head to Qatar have already been issued with a warning over the likes of booze and vapes.
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) recently updated its Qatar travel advice, including entry requirements and the local laws that football fans will need to be aware of, especially with strict laws around alcohol.
The FCDO writes: "The availability of alcohol, and associated laws, will be different to previous tournaments.
"Alcohol is currently only available to visitors at licensed hotel restaurants and bars, with additional availability expected at certain fan zone sites during the tournament.
"It is not possible to buy alcohol in shops. There is only one distributor in country, and this is restricted to residents with a valid permit.
"The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21. It is an offence to drink alcohol or be drunk in a public place."
Fans going to Qatar during the World Cup will also need to get a Hayya card to enter the country.
You can find out more in the Foreign Office's Qatar travel advice.
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