Air travel throughout Australia could grind to a halt next week, with airport firefighters set to walk off the job over long-standing concerns with staffing levels and pay.

The aviation branch of the United Firefighters Union plans a national strike from 6am to 10am on Friday, December 9, saying Airservices Australia – the government-owned air navigation and safety service – has reduced resourcing to such an extent that travellers are at risk every day.