British Airways announced on September 9 that it has had to cancel almost all its flights due to pilots’ 48-hour strike over salary issues. The airline also added that it had no idea about the number of pilots who would show up for work amidst the strike and the kind of aircraft they will be qualified to fly, therefore nearly 100 percent of flights will remain grounded. British Airways said that it is ready to return to talks with pilots’ union British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA). The airline has been registering queries on their helpline number and on social media, making sure that the customers are aware and the required action is taken in order to help them. 

British Airways response to the strike

Along with cancelling nearly all flights by the airline, British Airways is ready to open talks with the pilots who have raised issues over their pay. The airline is also offering refunds to the customers who are affected or provide an option of rebooking. They are willing to talk with the pilots’ union. The airline further apologized for the inconvenience the strike has brought to the customers. 

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BALPA's stand

On September 8, BALPA made a statement that they had put forth the proposal to the management of the British Airlines on August 28, after which they decided to hold a strike on Monday and Tuesday. They also said that a single day will cost the Airlines in their own figures, £40m and the difference between the pay is £5m. BALPA also wonders why the airline won't work in synergy to sort the issue. The union accused the airline of making profits at the expense of workers stood with the company during hard times. Along with a strike on September 8 and 9, the union has also called a strike on September 27. 

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Inconvenience caused to the customers

While the dispute is between the pilots and the airline, the customers said that they shouldn't have to pay the "price" by delaying their hard-earned holidays. While some flyers blamed the union, others blamed the airlines. However, the strikes are still in action and flights will remain cancelled. People took to Twitter to express their disappointment by calling the union "greedy" and a "disaster zone". 

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