Chaos prevailed at the world's busiest Heathrow Airport in London on Friday as thousands of passengers were stranded following a wildcat strike by the ground staff forcing British Airways to cancel all flights.
The trouble began after Gate Gourmet, the airlines in-flight catering firm, sacked 600 staff following an unofficial strike by them on Wednesday over the company's restructuring plans. Baggage handlers walked out in support of the striking catering staff on Thursday, forcing the British Airways to cancel all its British, European and long-haul flights in and out of the airport.
With more than 100 flights grounded and 1,000 pilots and cabin crew out of position around the world, 15,000 passengers were left stranded at the airport. BA said compensation claims would be considered on a case-by-case basis and all 70,000 passengers, caught up in the chaos, could rebook or have their costs refunded.
Heathrow staff are trying to book travellers on flights with other airlines while other services, including Eurostar have reported a surge in business. Inbound flights were diverted to other airports as far away as Newcastle.
Finnair, GB Airways and Qantas, which are serviced by BA ground staff, have also been affected by the strike. Heathrow Managing Director Mick Temple said he was doing his best to ensure that flights of other airlines would not be affected, but added there would be "significant disruption" for several days to BA flights.
BA Chief Executive Rod Eddington said, "it is a huge disappointment to us that we have become embroiled in someone else's dispute." Passengers due to travel on Friday by BA are being urged not to turn up at the airport but to contact the airline or their travel agent for more information.
BA said about 4,000 passengers were being put up at hotels across London and the South East last night. Another 1,000 spent the night in Terminals one to four, some staying in a huge marquee, and were provided with sleeping rolls, blankets and food. Another 10,000 are believed to have returned home.
No resolution appeared in sight of the workers dispute although it is hoped that fresh talks with Transport and General Workers' Union, aimed at reinstating the 600 sacked staff from Gate Gourmet, may take place later.
A spokesman for TGWU told British Broadcasting Corporation, "the action being taken by British Airways staff is unofficial action and the union cannot support it." Unofficial strikes in 2003 cost BA around 40 million pounds.
