Representatives from BAA and the Unite union are expected to meet today to try and avert a strike at six of Britain's airports. If talks fail, the first stoppage could be as early as next week as the union must give seven days' notice of any action.

Should the strikes go ahead, they would force the closure of London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Southampton, Stansted and Aberdeen airports, affecting up to 300,000 travellers per day. Any strikes would have an adverse effect on the recent growth in the number of passengers travelling through UK airports. The International Transport Association reported an 11.9% rise in passenger numbers in June compared with the same period in 2009.

Passengers who think they may be affected are advised to contact their airline.

If you're concerned that you will need to cancel you airport hotel or airport parking booking with BCP, be sure to take our cancellation waiver. For 99p for parking bookings and £2.49 for hotels, you will be protected against any cancellation charges should you need to cancel with at least 24 hours' notice. Terms and conditions apply.