British Airways cancels more flights as strike threat bites

British Airways cancelled approximately one third of short-haul services from London Heathrow Airport on 19-May-2010, as the carrier continued to suffer from the anticipated cabin crew strike, which was blocked in court on 17-May-2010 (Bloomberg, 19-Mar-2010). Long-haul services from Heathrow, as well as all routes from London Gatwick and London City airports operated as normal. The carrier plans to revert to its "strike schedule" on 20-May-2010, in preparation for a ruling on the union's appeal on that day.

Unite plans to resume strike action if the court ruling is overturned, adding that even if it loses the appeal the dispute will not be over. The union stated no new talks with BA have been scheduled. It announced (19-May-2010) plans to launch a campaign in which it will deliver letters from the union's joint general secretaries urging the investors to "use their influence to bring stability back to the airline". The letter will be delivered to each of BA's top London-based investors, including its biggest investor Blackrock inc. [more]