HEATHROW AIRPORT officials say they are “very concerned” that a public sector strike planned for next week will cause serious travel disruptions at the London airport.

UK Border Agency immigration officers say they will strike on 30 November, but that measures are being put in place to ensure that “a pool of suitably-trained staff is available to operate the border securely.

However, travellers may experience lengthy queues at the border.

Today, the airport’s operator BAA said it was holding discussions with the border agency and with airlines to work out how to best minimise disruption if the strike goes ahead.

The BAA also recommended that anyone due to fly through the airport on that day to check the status of their flight with their airline. The airport authority will be releasing further passenger information online when that information becomes available, it said.

The border agency says that “robust arrangements” have been prepared in recent months to maintain border security during the 30 November strike, which is due to commence at 11.59pm on the 29 November and wind up 24 hours later.

Chief executive of the UK Border Agency Rob Whiteman said today that “securing the border is our priority”, adding: “We always aim to minimise any disruption caused by the decision of unions to strike, but travellers could see longer waiting times at some ports and airports.”

The strike is in protest to new public sector pension changes.