AIR passengers could have their holidays delayed by a strike that will cripple a North-East airport.

More than 15,000 people a day pass through Newcastle International Airport but unions are threatening to bring it to a standstill in a row over pay.

Air traffic control, security staff, fire crews and administration workers have agreed to down tools sometime between June 25 and July 8.

Members of Unison and Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU), representative of 160 of the airport's 320 workers, voted three-to-one in favour of strike action.

Unison regional officer Cindy Hodgson said: "We are taking this action because we feel that after discussions we have nowhere else to go, and not because this is the holiday season. We feel for the people whose holidays are disrupted but we have no option.

"It is up to the airport management to treat our members decently because we don't take this action lightly."

Unions say staff have received no pay rise for two years and have been offered a deal that makes rises this year and next index-linked.

They asked for a one per cent rise on top of the 3.3 per cent they have been offered but could not reach a deal with airport management.

Ms Hodgson said the airport made £16.8m profit last year and the extra pay would cost the airport £100,000.

She said: "The unions are now in discussions as to the most effective way forward and we are expecting to make an announcement next week.

"We will strike unless there is some alternative from the management. I cannot see any other alternative."

Industrial action will not affect Durham Tees Valley Airport.

Newcastle International Airport confirmed negotiations have been ongoing for several months with staff and trades unions regarding a new pay and benefits package.

A spokesman said: "We would like to reassure the public that we are doing everything possible to keep any potential disruption to an absolute minimum.

"It remains our priority to ensure the airport continues to run smoothly and our passengers are kept informed.

"We advise passengers not to change their holiday plans and to check our website for updates on the situation."

Visit www.newcastleinternational.co.uk