British Airways’ cargo operations grounded as strike goes ahead

There is major disruption to British Airways’ bellyhold cargo operations as the airline’s pilots carry out strike action today and tomorrow.

The strike is the result of an ongoing dispute about pay between British Airways and the pilots’ union BALPA.

The industrial action is the largest ever carried out by British airways with some 1,700 passenger flights being cancelled, thereby grounding bellyhold cargo, which is managed by IAG Cargo.

A statement released today by British Airways, explained: “Unfortunately, with no detail from BALPA on which pilots would strike, we had no way of predicting how many would come to work or which aircraft they are qualified to fly, so we had no option but to cancel nearly 100 per cent our flights.

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“We remain ready and willing to return to talks with BALPA.”

Another statement released by IAG Cargo last week said: “BALPA’s unjustifiable strike action does affect parts of our cargo operations.

“Our British Airways schedules have been updated and are now reflected on ba.com. We are working on limiting the operational impact this unacceptable action will have, and we will continue to keep customers updated with the latest information.”

If the dispute is not resolved in future talks – which are as yet unplanned – between British Airways and BALPA, then pilots plan to strike again on September 27.