British Airways Strike Disrupts Thousands of Passengers in Bahrain

Strategic Insights -

Thousands of passengers in Bahrain face disruption after British Airways cabin crew began their second wave of strikes yesterday, causing the cancellation of all services between Bahrain and Heathrow until Tuesday. Freight flights will continue, and people booked on flights will be offered refunds, rebooking onto other airlines, or rescheduling of their flights. The airline aims to minimize cancellations and reinstate flights as normal.

Key Takeaways:

  • All services between Bahrain and Heathrow have been cancelled until Tuesday due to the strike by 12,000 British Airways cabin crew.
  • One flight left for London on schedule, but all other services have been affected.
  • Freight flights will continue, with the airline operating 70% of its long-haul programme and 55% of its short-haul programme at Heathrow.
  • 240,000 customers were booked to travel during the second striking period, with more than 180,000 expected to fly.
  • 18% of passengers were re-booked onto other carriers or changed the dates of their flights.
  • Reports suggest British Airways stands to lose Au3 million (BD1.7 million) a day during the strike.
  • The airline's union has voted for seven days of stoppages across the globe, affecting more than half a million BA passengers.
  • Unionists have threatened further industrial action after April 14 if a pay dispute is not resolved.

Statistics:

  • 70% of long-haul flights will operate at Heathrow during the strike.
  • 55% of short-haul flights will operate at Heathrow during the strike.
  • 240,000 customers were booked to travel during the second striking period.
  • 180,000 passengers are expected to fly during the strike.
  • 18% of passengers were re-booked onto other carriers or changed the dates of their flights.
  • British Airways stands to lose Au3 million (BD1.7 million) a day during the strike.

Sources:

  • TradeArabia News Service
  • Al Hilal Publishing & Marketing Group