Further BA strikes most unwelcome

12th April 2010

Further BA strikes will continue to affect retailers, hotels, airport operators and airport parking companies.

The strike by BA cabin crew not only affect the airline but also caused BAA to suffer a drop in traffic of 1.5% which translated into passenger numbers is 200,000 with Heathrow the most badly affected. Heathrow lost about 180,000 compared to March last year with the remaining 20,000 affecting Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports.

Notwistanding this enforced reduction, the figures for Heathrow were up 0.4% on the previous March and without the strike strong growth of nearly 4% would have been recorded.

The strike also affects retailers, bars, restaurants, hotels and airport car parking companies who are all looking for a stronger 2010. The last 18 months have been to say the least a very difficult time and for the travel industry and the strike has not only caused a loss of revenue but an increased work load dealing with the cancellations which is a double whammy.

BA reported that the strike so far has cost £45 million carrying 400,000 less passengers which means over half either just never travelled or used road or rail. The bottom line is that any further strikes will be most unwelcome and fairly pointless given BA's tough stance.

To avoid loss on any Heathrow airport parking customers are recommended to take out the cancellation policy.