IAG places blame on British Airways strike for decline in Q3 2019 operating profit

International Airlines Group has placed blame on UK carrier British Airways’ pilot strike in September for its decline in third-quarter operating profit. The group’s operating profit during its Q3 2019 results stood at €1.42 billion before exceptional items, compared with €1.53 billion experienced in the same period last year. British Airways, owned by IAG, had to cancel nearly 1,600 flights on 9 and 10 September after it was left with “no option” as a result of the industrial action called by cockpit union BALPA – the first pilot walkout in the airline’s history. IAG Chief Executive Willie Walsh said that