Flight Cancellations Threatened Over Strikes

Passengers today were warned about severe delays during next week's public sector strike. They were warned of "significant disruption" as passport and immigration staff join a possible two million workers for a Wednesday’s strike.

Delays at The UK’s main airport, Heathrow, could last up to12 hours and warnings of large scale cancellations were issued to the airlines. Delays at immigration could mean passengers being held on aircraft airlines were told by BAA. This could very quickly lead to gridlock at airports as a backlog ensues at parking stands leading to large scale cancellations of aircraft and diversions to airports outside the UK.

BAA concluded that the UK Border Agency is unable to offer any contingency plan to provide normal operations. Securing UK borders is a priority and over the last few weeks the UK Border Agency has considered all the available options in preparation for union action.

The agency have been criticised by the Unions after it was found out that they were seeking volunteers from among civil servants to fill the jobs of striking union members.

Following consultation with airlines, they agreed a reduction in passenger numbers for all airlines on strike day. However passengers could still see long delays at many airports and ports.

If airlines manage to reduce passenger numbers by around 50% then there is a greater chance that flights will not be diverted to other airports abroad and hence lead to cancellations of outbound flights. Passengers have been advised to avoid travelling to the UK unless absolutely necessary.

Both Virgin Atlantic Airways and British Airways said that normal charges for flight bookings would not apply for passengers not wanting to travel on the day of the strike. Passengers have been warned that these strikes could affect many airports across the UK.

Gatwick Airport is hoping that any disruptions to flights are kept to a minimum with effective contingency plans in place. Representatives at Gatwick Airport have asked airlines to rebook flights either before or after strike day.

Many airport volunteers are being drafted in to provide assistance and support. All meetings have been cancelled and managers will be offering advice and information to passengers in the terminals to help ease the problems.

The strikes are over changes to public sector pensions. Many workers say they are struggling to pay their bills and believe they have been unfairly treated by the government’s changes.