Several airlines could be looking at more disruption at London Heathrow, caused by a strike of refuelling staff looming this week.

Workers at Aviation Fuel Services (AFS) are scheduled to go on a three-day strike from 05h00 on Thursday, July 21 to 04h59 on Sunday, July 24 in a pay dispute.

Airlines that will be affected include Virgin, United, KLM, Emirates, and Air France.

The strike comes as Europe enters the key summer holiday season and travellers are already experiencing major disruptions at major European airports due to staff shortages. 

Trade union, Unite, said the industrial action would delay hundreds of flights. 

AFS is one of a number of refuelling companies at Heathrow – airlines that are affected are responsible for finding alternative suppliers for their flights.

A spokesman for Heathrow said the airport was in discussions with airlines over what contingency plans they could implement, including using other fuel suppliers operating at the airport. Tankering fuel in from other airports is also an option.