British Airways cancels all flights due to pilots' strike

London: Pilots of British Airways began a two-day strike on Monday (September 9) in their ongoing dispute over pay, and other terms.

According to the airline, passengers have been instructed no to visit the airport and to check its website for further information.

The British Airways Pilots Association (BALPA) said the strike is a "last resort" because of "enormous frustration" with the airline's management.

In July, the airline pilots rejected a pay rise of 11.5% over three years.

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Taking to Twitter, British Airways said, "We understand the frustration and disruption BALPA's strike has caused our customers. After many months of trying to resolve the pay dispute, we are extremely sorry that it has come to this. We remain ready and willing to return to talks with BALPA."

Earlier, BALPA said that its members have taken a "low" pay rise and made sacrifices during tough times. And now, it is said that British Airways' financial performance has improved. Its parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), reported a 9% rise in profits last year.

The British Airways allegedly said that its pilots have already received "world-class" salary and the pay offer is "fair and generous."

According to British Airways after the 11.5% is implemented in three years the average captain would take home over GBP 200,000 a year, including allowances.

On the other hand, the union has claimed that junior pilots are paid a base salary of only around GBP 26,000, although they receive several thousand pounds a year on top of that in allowances such as "flying pay" (payments for time away from the base.")

The British Airways indicated that the strike would cost the airline up to £40 million a day. The IAG, which also owns IBERIA and Aer Lingus airlines, reported a pre-tax profit of £2.8 billion in 2018.

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