Direct initial flights from Ireland to London Heathrow – via the likes of Aer Lingus and British Airways – will not be affected by a potential workers’ strike at the London airport on the May Day Bank Holiday.
The strike is planned by 50 workers for AFS – a plane refuelling firm – aligned with the UNITE trade union, over working conditions.
The action is likely to go ahead over the three-day period of May 4-May 6, inclusive; essentially covering the annual May bank holiday weekend.
Heathrow’s management said it is working with AFS on contingency plans, while also seemingly suggesting that other plane refuelling companies can fill the void if necessary.
While AFS does not refuel for Aer Lingus or BA at Heathrow, there is a possibility of some passengers being disrupted through connecting flights, as AFS refuels for numerous long haul operators including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Qantas, EL AL, Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, Emirates and Singapore Airlines.
