Last ditch talks to end Heathrow strikes next week

The country’s busiest airport is holding last minute talks to try to avert the mass strikes set to cripple the holiday plans tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday of next week.

The airport has already cancelled 117 flights in anticipation of the industrial action by engineers, fire fighters and security staff and fear another 91 flights could be affected.

Simon Calder, travel editor of the Independent online estimates that around 30,000 people have already been affected by the strikes.

However a spokesperson from the airport has commented that the “vast majority” of passengers would still be able to fly.

The airport has now started to contact passengers in order to make alternate travel plans. Airlines have diverted flights to other airports and delayed certain flights however a certain number will have to be cancelled.

Despite the efforts of the airport, passengers have been left confused and frustrated at the disorganisation.

Paul Icklow from London was due to fly to Spain on Monday with his family, however the airport could not offer any information as of this morning (Sunday), the day before he is due to fly.

He told British press that “it’s very disorganised. Somebody somewhere must know what is going on,” adding that “it would be fine if I just knew if the flight was going to be cancelled or not.”

Around 4,000 union workers are striking over a disagreement over pay with the airport, having rejected the latest pay deal by an 88 per cent majority.

Any passengers concerned are advised to contact the airport to check on the status of their flight. If the flight has to be cancelled airport authorities have warned that as it is an airport strike, not an airline strike, passengers may not be eligible for compensation.