Iberia pilot strikes force cancellations

26/01/2012

Another wave of pilot strikes has forced airline Iberia to cancel seven of its scheduled flights between Heathrow and Madrid over the coming week.

The pilots, who are members of the SEPLA union, are set to walk out because of an ongoing dispute about the setting up of a new Spanish airline Iberia Express by parent firm International Airlines Group, which also owns British Airways.

The pilots went on strike for two days in December and another two days earlier this month.

The walk-out, due to take place on Wednesday January 25, Friday 27 and Monday 30, will see a total of seven flights axed. Four of its eight scheduled flights between Heathrow and Madrid will be cancelled on January 25, while three flights on the route have been scrapped on January 27 and 30.

The news will serve as a reminder to passengers that comprehensive travel insurance is essential.

The airline has agreed a new deal with two unions representing its 16,000 ground crew, who were threatening to hold a series of strikes from February over the same issue.

In a statement the airline said: "Iberia will facilitate changes in tickets and refunds to affected customers and will do everything possible to place them on other Iberia flights, flights operated by other airlines, or alternative means of transport".

Copyright © Press Association 2012.