British Airways Pilot Strike (2019)
Approximately 4,000 British Airways pilots conducted a two-day strike—the first in the airline's history—over profit-sharing and pay. The walkout cancelled 1,700 flights and affected 300,000 passengers. BA lost an estimated £100 million and failed to obtain a court injunction blocking the action.
The strike was called off early after the pilots' union BALPA signaled willingness to negotiate, though no immediate deal was reached.
BA eventually improved its offer, and the dispute established that pilot strikes at major carriers could proceed despite aggressive legal challenges. Parent company IAG remained concerned about precedent for its other airlines.
Demonstrates that pilot strikes at flagship carriers, while costly, typically end in negotiated settlements rather than prolonged standoffs. Lufthansa management may be calculating that one strike day is preferable to meeting full union demands.