20/03/2010 11:43
British Airways cancels more than 1,000 flights
More than 1,000 flights are canceled after 12,000 British Airways cabin crew began strike action in a result of three-day talks’ failure.
The strike affected a number of flights to and from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen airports, mostly hurting England fans, who intended to travel to Paris for tonight's rugby match against France.
A spokesperson for British Airways said 65% of passengers would reach their destination during the strike; however, most flights are expected to be cancelled.
“Tens of thousands of BA people stand ready to serve our passengers and BA will be flying and will continue to fly through these periods of industrial action,” BBC quotes British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh as saying. Walsh also said that he remained available for talks on reaching a "sensible agreement”, but said that loss-making BA must cut costs.
Another four-day stoppage is planned from March 27, and further action is expected in mid-April.