BA announces increased service during strike

British Airways will increase its operations during the next five-day strike by cabin crew due from Sunday May 30. The carrier has announced it will increase its long-haul schedule at Heathrow from 60% to 70% of normal services, and its short-haul schedule from 50% to 55%. The airline is currently mid-way through the first of three five-day strikes planned by members of the Unite union, with just a day separating each one.

Services from Gatwick and London City should continue to operate as normal despite increased traffic at the former because of the school half-term holiday. The revised schedule would see BA carry 65,000 passengers a day during next week’s strike. The airline has reported carrying 60,000 a day during the current strike. Passengers should check ba.com to see whether their flight will operate. Those whose flight is cancelled may re-book for free or take a refund. BA will announce its schedule for the third strike period from June 5-9 on Tuesday June 1. Attempts to settle the dispute over cuts in staffing levels and sanctions against strikers have so far foundered, despite BA and Unite coming close to a deal at the weekend.