British Airways has had to cancel “nearly” 100 per cent of its flights over the past two days due to the walkout by pilots.
Members of BALPA (British Airline Pilots Association) held industrial action on Monday and Tuesday (September 9/10) in a long-running pay dispute with the airline.
Flights are set to resume on Wednesday (September 11) after the strike ends at 23.59 on Tuesday, although there may continue to be some disruption to BA’s services after the end of the stoppage.
BA said in a message to passengers: “Unfortunately, with no detail from BALPA on which pilots would strike, we had no way of predicting how many would come to work or which aircraft they are qualified to fly, so we had no option but to cancel nearly 100 per cent of our flights. We remain ready and willing to return to talks with BALPA.
“Our customer teams – supported by additional colleagues - have been working tirelessly to help as many of you as possible and to provide options, including a full refund or rebooking to a different date of travel or alternative airline.
“We are offering all affected customers full refunds or the option to re-book to another date of travel or alternative airline.”
BALPA said that the strike was supported by “virtually 100%” of its members and added that the “strength of feeling amongst pilots should be a wake-up call for British Airways”.
General secretary Brian Strutton added: “Pilots are standing firm and have shown just how resolute they are today. British Airways needs to start listening to its pilots and actually come up with ways of resolving this dispute.”
The strike has not affected flights from London City airport, which operate under the BA CityFlyer brand, while SUN Air and Comair services are also unaffected.
BALPA members are also scheduled to go on strike on Friday, 27 September unless the dispute can be resolved.
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