HOLIDAYMAKERS could face disruption this Christmas following concerns over the future of a baggage carrier.

Aviator is closing its operations at four UK airports, including Newcastle, on November 30.

The Unite union has express concerns over the future of 145 workers at Newcastle Airport who work for the Scandinavian company, servicing BMI and EasyJet airliners.

Unite are seeking clarity about what Aviator is planning to do to ensure a smooth continuity of check-in, refuelling, and baggage handling services is required, otherwise Christmas travel disruption was possible, according to the union.

Oliver Richardson, national officer for civil air transport at Unite, said: “Unite will be seeking assurances from the company, airlines, other handlers and ultimately, the airports that there will be no compulsory redundancies.

“It is a matter of serious concern for both our members and the traveling public that so close to Christmas most of the airlines have not announced where their baggage handling and check-in contracts are going.

“The airport owners and the airlines, which require these services for their planes to land and take-off efficiently, need to get their skates on to sort this out, without any detriment to the staff jobs, pay and conditions, otherwise Christmas travel chaos is on the cards.”

The Northern Echo has contacted Aviator for a response, but a statement published from a company spokesperson on a national website said: "We note the statement issued by Unite today and completely understand the desire for more clarity on plans.

"We're in discussions with a large number of stakeholders including airlines to ensure that this process is orderly and well-managed.

"We're consulting with employees and their representatives to deal with any concerns they have and providing further information as and when we have it and will continue to do so.

"We remain in close cooperation with the unions as well as other stakeholders - our focus is on maximising employment and meeting the needs of our airline customers while minimising disruption and we are working tirelessly to achieve that goal well in advance of the Christmas travel period."

A spokesperson from Newcastle Airport said: "We are aware the plan for the ground handling company Aviator to exit the UK market.

"We are working with Aviator and the airlines to minimise any impact or disruption at Newcastle Airport, and are confident that service to customers will continue uninterrupted."