| GEO World | | Flights cancelled as British Airways staff strike once again | Updated at: 0159 PST, Sunday, March 28, 2010
LONDON: British Airways cabin crew launched a four-day strike Saturday, forcing the cancellation of numerous flights as they staged their second walkout in a week over an increasingly bitter dispute.
Amid a row over the strike's impact, BA said about 70 percent of long-haul flights and up to 55 percent of short-haul flights were operating in the strike by Unite union workers, more than during last weekend's three-day action.
The airline says more than three-quarters of its passengers -- over 180,000 out of 240,000 -- would still be able to travel on BA flights.
But Unite claims six Heathrow flights were loaded with passengers then unloaded because of lack of crew, and that many long-haul services were leaving 30 percent below capacity. This is denied by the airline.
BA insisted it was doing all it can to minimise cancellations, but many passengers caught up in the strike voiced frustration at Heathrow.
Its chief executive Willie Walsh has warned the airline could fold in a decade unless the changes to working practices he wants are carried out. |  |
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