Airports across Britain can expect to descend into chaos on Thursday when hundreds of UK Border Officials walk out on strike.
Their action forms part of a co-ordinated series of strikes by unions over pay and pensions, and raises the prospect of extremely long waits to enter the UK at major airports.
Heathrow Airport is likely to be affected particularly badly, as tens of thousands of passengers from outside the EU will have to queue to have their passports and visas checked.
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The Public and Commercial Services union has warned the strike could pose a risk to security at airports. Britain's largest airport operator, BAA, seems resigned to the prospect of lengthy queues to enter the country.
Seaports are also likely to be severely affected.