BA Christmas strike boosts business of rival airlines

The planned strike of British Airways (BA) cabin crew will benefit rival airlines that are going to accommodate affected BA passengers.

The sudden strike of airline staff is due to the deficit of workers’ pension by 76 per cent to £3.7 billion over the previous three years.

Rival airline Virgin Atlantic (VA) said that a huge number of BA passengers had already deserted the airline because of uncertainty. VA’s director for communications, Paul Charles, said that passengers will now think twofold whether to fly with the troubled airline in the coming Christmas and New Year holidays. He further warned that many passengers will switch to other airlines unless BA will solve its internal problem.

RyanAir Spokesman Stephen McNamara meanwhile said that they are anticipating an increase on the number of passenger volume this Christmas as a result of travellers not taking chances in flying with BA.

Low cost airlines Flybe and easyJet were also eager to take advantage of the BA saga. Flybe has announced to increase service to cater affected BA passengers especially during the festive season.

James Freemantle from the Air Transport Users Council has advised passengers from BA that the company is obliged to tender a refund for cancelled flights or redirect passengers to other airlines, and to offer assistance for the hotels and meals of affected passengers when necessary.

Similarly, passengers who booked directly with BA are advised to get in touch with the airline for a refund or to change their flight schedule. Meanwhile, package travellers are told to contact their tour operators to request for a reimbursement or rebook.