Fuel tanker drivers at Edinburgh Airport are preparing to go on strike for 19 days following pay negotiations, risking travel disruption for flights to long haul destinations.

Fuel tanker drivers that serve Edinburgh Airport are preparing to strike over pay, and it will coincide with the annual rush just before Christmas and into New Year. The Unite Union has confirmed that employees of North Air, which presently is the only refueling source for long-haul flights, would stage a walkout for 19 days commencing December 18, after its "acceptance" of a 4.5 percent wage increase.

It also serves major international airlines such as United Airlines and Emirates under the provision of aviation fuel. However, disappointed over the shown decision, the airline continues to open itself for further negotiations with North Air but stated that Unite accused the company of being unwilling to negotiate and warned of serious flight interruptions for long-haul trips.

Hence, flights of United Airlines to New York and Emirates flights to Dubai are expected; there are also domestic services by LoganAir to Scotland's islands.

Unite members have given a strong mandate to ballot for industrial action because pay rises have been below inflation for several years. This dispute could see significant travel disruption during the festive season, an industrial officer warned. North Air claims its offer of pay exceeds inflation and has been granted elsewhere. They want to iron it out before a major strike stops people travelling. Passengers have been told Edinburgh airport has contingency plans in place to manage delays.