England supporters could have their World Cup travel plans thrown into chaos with Heathrow Airport set to be at the centre of strike action over the next few weeks.
There remains just over a fortnight until the tournament gets underway with the final rounds of domestic league fixtures set to be played.
Fans will no doubt have had their travel and accommodation set in stone since the draw for Qatar was made but there now appears to be fresh doubt. The Unite union said 700 workers involved in ground handling, airside transport and cargo at Heathrow Airport will go on strike from the early hours of November 18, with the action lasting until November 21, in a dispute over pay.
England supporters in particular will be hugely concerned about their chances of getting over to Qatar with the strike action continuing until the day of the Three Lions’ opener against Iran. The strikes are anticipated to cause delays at Heathrow Terminals 2, 3 and 4. Qatar Airways could be affected in particular with the airline located in Terminal 4.
Kevin Hall, a regional officer at the Unite union said: “Strike action will inevitably cause disruption, delays and cancellations to flights throughout Heathrow, with travellers to the World Cup particularly affected.”
The impacts do not quite end there with it being expected that operators such as Virgin, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Emirates will all be affected by the upcoming action.