Heathrow strike action suspended on Monday as talks resume

A strike planned by Heathrow Airport workers on Monday has been called off, as talks continue to stop a further walkout on Tuesday.

Some 2,500 workers had planned to strike on both days in a row over pay.

Britain’s busiest airport cancelled 177 flights – roughly one in seven departures – after the Unite union rejected a pay offer.

But British Airways said it will now reinstate flights from Heathrow on Monday.

Air Canada said it is planning to operate its full flight schedule on Monday.

Virgin Atlantic has not cancelled flights but will continue with its plan to move them from Heathrow to Gatwick.

A spokeswoman for Virgin Atlantic said: “These services will not revert back to the original London Heathrow schedule and will remain in place.”

A Heathrow spokesman advised passengers to check with their airlines to see if there were any changes to cancelled fights.

He said: “We regret that passengers have been inconvenienced by this and urge them to contact their airline for up to date information on the status of their service.”

Flybe, Swiss, Lufthansa, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Aer Lingus, and TAP Air Portugal were among those to have confirmed cancellations, but it is not yet known if they will now reinstate flights.

Prior to the suspension of Monday’s strike action, airlines had begun to contact affected passengers, after some complained they had been left in the dark about whether their flights were affected.

Heathrow warned that security queues at the airport would be longer than normal, with passengers advised to arrive at least three hours before long-haul departures and two hours before short-haul.

Airlines also said they would impose restrictions on hand luggage to speed up boarding.

Paul Icklow from London, who is meant to fly to Spain with his family on Tuesday, told the BBC earlier that British Airways had been unable to give any information on Sunday morning, leaving him “frustrated”.

Meanwhile, Sarah McFadyen from Eastbourne said her flight to Abu Dhabi had initially been cancelled, then Etihad told her it “might still go”.

“So I have to turn up at Heathrow four hours before my flight to find out if it’s going… I am confused, frustrated.”

Heathrow says passengers will be able to rebook their flights for a different day, although choices may be limited given that August is peak holiday season.

Holidaymakers face chaos as BA pilots vote in favour of strike action

British Airways pilots have voted strongly in favour of industrial action in a dispute with the airline over pay.

Ninety-three per cent of those balloted voted in favour of strike action, on a turnout of 90 per cent.

Brian Strutton, general secretary of the British Airline Pilots’ Association, said: “This strong result demonstrates the resolve of BA pilots, and shows BA that it must table a sensible improved offer if a strike is to be averted.

“Sadly three days of ACAS talks have not moved the company’s position one iota. Settlement of this dispute is in BA’s hands.

“We do not wish to inconvenience customers which is why we have tried to resolve this matter through negotiation starting last November – it is BA who has regrettably chosen to drag this out into the summer months.”

Balpa represents around 85 per cent of British Airways pilots.

High Court challenge

The union has not yet said when it plans to hold the strike action. This is because BA has tabled an immediate legal challenge.

The airline is seeking a High Court injunction over legal technicalities surrounding the ballot. The hearing will take place tomorrow morning.

British Airways said it has offered an 11.5 per cent pay rise over three years.

A spokesperson said: “We are very disappointed that Balpa, the pilots’ union, has chosen to threaten the travel plans of thousands of our customers, over the summer holidays, with possible strike action.

“We remain open to working with Balpa to reach an agreement, which we have been doing since December.

“We continue to pursue every avenue to find a solution to protect our customers’ travel plans and avoid industrial action and we urge Balpa to return to talks as soon as possible.”

A ‘summer of disruptions’

Balpa’s vote means BA pilots will join Heathrow and Gatwick airport staff in striking this summer.

Furthermore, Easyjet check-in staff have planned strikes, which will kick off on Thursday. Ryanair pilots will also vote in the coming weeks on whether to take industrial action in August.

Money.co.uk personal finance expert Salman Haqqi said: “Millions of Brits are facing a summer of disruptions, as a perfect storm of airport and airline strikes could leave their holiday plans in tatters.

“If airline staff strike and your flight to or from the UK is cancelled, thanks to EU regulations, you are entitled to: a full refund; or an alternative flight to your destination from a nearby airport, with the airline responsible for additional travel costs; or an alternative flight on a later date outside the strike period.

“However, this will be scant consolation for many holidaymakers, as the likelihood of being able to book onto an alternative flight during this peak period will be slim to non existent.”