Planned strike by British Airways pilots called off

A strike planned by British Airways pilots later this month in a dispute over pay has been called off.

Members of the British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa) were due to walk out for 24 hours on September 27, following a 48-hour stoppage last week.

Balpa said the strikes had demonstrated the “anger and resolve of pilots” but it was now time for a period of reflection “before the dispute escalates further and irreparable damage is done to the brand”.

General secretary Brian Strutton said: “Someone has to take the initiative to sort out this dispute and with no sign of that from BA, the pilots have decided to take the responsible course.

“In a genuine attempt at establishing a time-out for common sense to prevail, we have lifted the threat of the strike on the 27th September.

“BA passengers rightly expect BA and its pilots to resolve their issues without disruption and now is the time for cool heads and pragmatism to be brought to bear.

“I hope BA and its owner IAG show as much responsibility as the pilots.”

Balpa said if BA refuses meaningful new negotiations, it retains the right to announce further strike dates.