Warnings of delays and possible airport closures have been issued by Border Force chief operating officer Steve Dann ahead of strikes starting on Friday.
Hinting at possible closures, Dann outlined the border control enforcer would try to keep “most if not all ports open” during the strikes.
“Military personnel and volunteers from across the Civil Service have been trained to support Border Force at airports and ports through the strike period” as part of contingency plans, Dann added.
“People should be prepared for disruption," however.
We want to help travellers to the UK prepare for the impact of Border Force strike action disruption over Christmas ⚠️
Border Force’s Chief Operating Officer has 5 essential tips ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/rKy4zLFqSq
— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) December 21, 2022
Around 1,000 Border Force staff are due to walk out from airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Birmingham on Friday until Boxing Day.
Heathrow had suggested that travellers should be largely unaffected, with e-gates replacing the need for staff in many cases.
Previous reports suggested contingency plans could see passengers made to wait on arriving flights in order to prevent overcrowding in airports, according to the Times.
Border Force requested airlines “suppress demand” prior to the action, with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic among those which have halted ticket sales for flights on strike days.
Further strike action is due between 28-31 December.