Strikes 'Could Lead To 12hr Delays'

25 November 2011, 12:26

Airlines are warning next week's public sector worker strike could lead to 12 hour delays for passengers arriving at Heathrow.

Airport operator BAA say delays at immigration could be so long, passengers might have to be held on aircraft touching down at the airport.

"This in turn would quickly create gridlock at the airport with no available aircraft parking stands, mass cancellations of departing aircraft and diversions outside the UK for arriving aircraft," BAA added.

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have both announced that the normal charges for rebooking flights will not apply for those not wishing to travel on Wednesday 30 November 2011.

Millions of public sector workers angry over planned changes to their pensions are expected to walk out.