70,000 passengers remain stranded after BA strike

TENS of thousands of passengers remained stranded last night as British Airways battled to clear a backlog of flights at Heathrow Airport following an end to unofficial action by its staff.

More than 70,000 people, mostly holidaymakers, were affected by a dispute that could cost BA up to €40 million in lost revenue.

Aer Lingus flights to and from the London airport ran on schedule yesterday but the airline was anticipating knock-on delays for some flights as a result of the dispute.

The walkout by BA staff was in sympathy with sacked employees of a US-owned catering firm that provides the airline’s in-flight meals.

The catering workers last evening vowed to fight on but expressed amazement that their plight had caused such chaos. The 670 Gate Gourmet staff lost their jobs on Wednesday in a row over working practices.

British Airways dispatched flights to some European capitals last night, but a massive backlog of passengers remained at the airport following the wildcat strikes.

More than 1,000 ground staff had walked out in sympathy with the sacked workers.

BA’s chief executive Rod Eddington yesterday apologised to customers and said the airline had been unwillingly embroiled in the row.

Chaos at the airport started on Wednesday when Gate Gourmet sacked its afternoon shift staff who missed a deadline to report to work.

The unofficial action by the catering staff was over the company’s restructuring plans.

However, the dispute escalated on Thursday when a second walk-out by BA baggage handlers and other ground staff, in sympathy with the catering workers, caused the airline to cancel nearly 550 flights.

Other airlines affected included Qantas, Sri Lankan Airlines, Finnair, GB Airways and British Med Airlines.

Gate Gourmet director Richard Wells yesterday denied being heavy-handed over the sacking of staff.

He insisted staff were spoken to and given written warnings before being dismissed.

The catering group warned it would not reinstate sacked employees, but would look at “other alternatives”.

Disgruntled passengers yesterday criticised airport staff for poor communication and claimed advice lines were constantly engaged.