British Airways has cancelled more than 70 flights as hundreds of security guards walk out from Heathrow Terminal 5 for the first day of strike action.
Around 10,000 passengers are thought to be affected with flights to Europe and America grounded after last-ditch talks to prevent strikes broke down on Thursday night.
The strikes involve security officers at Terminal Five, which is used exclusively by British Airways, and campus security guards who are responsible for checking all cargo that enters the airport.
A Heathrow spokeswoman insisted the airport is operating as usual and “security is free flowing” on Friday morning.
But it comes after BA cancelled 72 flights, sharply reducing the number of passengers who would normally use the terminal.
A BA Spokesman said: “Due to a number of issues including the Heathrow Airport strike, continued French Air Traffic Control industrial action and bad weather, we’ve been forced to make a small number of adjustments to our schedule. We’re sorry for the disruption to our customers’ travel plans.
“The vast majority of our flights continue to operate as planned and we’re in contact with affected customers to inform them of their rights and offer them options including a full refund or rebooking onto an alternative flight.”
Around 1,400 members of Unite will be on strike for 10 days, covering much of the busy Easter weekend.
Unite regional co-ordinating officer Wayne King said: “Heathrow Airport has thrown away the opportunity to avoid strikes.
“The strike action will undoubtedly result in severe delays and disruption to passengers across the airport but this dispute is a direct result of Heathrow Airport’s stubborn refusal to pay its workers fairly.”
Picket lines were mounted outside the airport and Unite said the strike which ends at 23.59pm on Easter Sunday April 10 was being “well supported.”
The airport’s chief executive John Holland-Kaye told Sky News: “I’m here in Terminal 5 which is the only terminal that voted for strike action and you’ll see it’s operating as normal.
“We have a lot of colleagues who have come to help us out today – both security officers and managers who are helping out in their purple shirts like me.
“But we also have some other agency, third party, workers who have come in to help us who are very experienced in this kind of security environment, and they’re keeping the airport running smoothly.
“So, Heathrow is operating as normal. If you’re travelling over the Easter period, don’t worry, you’ll have a good journey.
“Please don’t come too early. Three hours is plenty for a long-haul flight, two hours for a short-haul flight, and we will get you to your destination on time.”
Unite regional co-ordinating officer Wayne King said: “Heathrow Airport has thrown away the opportunity to avoid strikes.
“The strike action will undoubtedly result in severe delays and disruption to passengers across the airport but this dispute is a direct result of Heathrow Airport’s stubborn refusal to pay its workers fairly.”
