UK strike: AI cancels 2 flights, others issue advisory

Thousands traveling to London over the next two days are now uncertain of their trips, as some London-bound flights have been cancelled owing to the ongoing nationwide industrial unrest in the United Kingdom.

Thousands traveling to London over the next two days are now uncertain of their trips, as some London-bound flights have been cancelled owing to the ongoing nationwide industrial unrest in the United Kingdom.

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Many public sector unions, including the UK border agency staff and those representing immigration and other airport staff are a part of the protests.

National carrier Air India has cancelled two of its three daily flights to Heathrow, scheduled to take off on early Wednesday morning.

"We have cancelled two flights going via Delhi, but the passengers will be accommodated in the subsequent day's flight," said an AI spokesperson.

Jet Airways said it would operate all three daily flights (two from Mumbai and one from Delhi) but warned fliers to reconsider their travel plan, to avoid inconvenience at London.

"The Civil Aviation Authority of UK has informed all airlines that incoming flights could face delays, because of the 24-hour strike. We have advised people to rebook their flights to a later date, up to December 7," said a Jet Airways spokesperson.

Kingfisher Airlines too has not cancelled any flights, but has issued a travel advisory to fliers. "We will operate the flight as per schedule, but people have the option of rescheduling their journey, to avoid inconvenience," said a Kingfisher spokesperson.

Travel agents said that in case of last-minute cancellations, Kingfisher fliers could be accommodated in British Airways flights, which Kingfisher has a tie-up with.

However, despite the uncertainty, passengers are not yet canceling their trips, inform tour operators. "Currently, there is no panic amongst travelers, but if the strike continues, there could be cancellations," said Anup Kanuga, owner, Bhatija Travels.