The Wall Street Journal and other sources are reporting that international airlines are taking steps to avoid "gridlock" at London's Heathrow Airport on Wednesday, rebooking passengers and considering cancellations because of a planned strike by U.K. immigration staff.
Airport operator BAA has created an information page for the airport, and reportedly asked carriers at the world's busiest international airport to fly with half-full planes and warned of delays of up to 12 hours in processing incoming passengers. According to CNN, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are all offering free schedule changes to avoid travel on November 30. In the United States, United has also issued waivers and Delta is updating advice on its website.
Going one step further, Cathay Pacific is among those discouraging flying entirely. “In order to avoid disruption and inconvenience,” it said on its website, “we recommend that customers avoid travel on the day unless absolutely necessary.”
