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British Airways tops European airline league table of shame

British Airways tops European airline league table of shame BA has been awarded the dubious accolade of worst performing major airline in the whole of Europe, with passengers using the carrier most likely to face delays and have their luggage turn up late, although the industry has blamed Heathrow Airport for some of BA's troubles.

According to statistics published by the Association of European Airlines (AEA), between the months of April and June 35.7 per cent of short and medium haul flights did not arrive at the scheduled time, while 32.7 per cent were subject to late departures.

In an even worse show for the airline, 44 per cent of British Airways' long haul arrivals were delayed with 36.6 per cent departing the airport later than they were supposed to.

In addition, BA's record for baggage was less than impressive with 28 items of luggage delayed per 1,000 passengers between April and June, AEA said. The figures really come to life when compared to the records of much smaller airlines. For example, Air Malta was able to keep its bag delays down to three items per 1,000 passengers.

Connecting flights seemed to be a luggage black hole for British Airways with 61 per cent of misplaced luggage occurring when passengers made a connection.

Given the chaos at Heathrow Airport at the moment, the problem does not look set to be resolved any time soon. Indeed AEA predicted that British Airways would lose a record-breaking 1,300,000 bags this year.

Simon Evans, chairman of the Air Transport Users Council (AUC), told the Telegraph: "There is no doubt that Heathrow is a big part of the problem. Questions have to be asked of BA's management which is squeezing too much out of the airport and those crowded terminals."

Travel Counsellors does not accept that passengers should face delays, either to themselves or their luggage. Please visit Travel Counsellors' campaign website at www.ukairportdelays.co.uk and report any delays and problems you have experienced so that we can lobby the air industry for a better performance in future.

Airline News posted on 02 August 2007

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