Heathrow delays snow joke, says BA

British Airways and BAA have sought to play down reports that the carrier is seeking £1million in compensation over flights cancelled at Heathrow due to snow. A BA spokesman even declined to tell TravelMole if the carrier’s view was that the flights should have been able to operate during the harsh conditions earlier this week. He said that talks were currently taking place between the two parties and “that is one of the things that they will be discussing.” The spokesman added that it was “too early” to say how much the delays had cost the airline. Commenting on whether BA would be seeking compensation, the spokesman said: “We are not necessarily seeking a payment but we will be talking about the financial impact. At this stage it is a private matter between BAA and British Airways.” Meanwhile a BAA spokesperson said: “At an airport as busy as Heathrow it is inevitable that severe weather such as that experienced this week, although forecast, will still have some impact on operations.” “We were very successful in our attempts to keep the main taxiways and runways open but, despite being treated as planned, a number of aircraft parking stands remained icy to a degree that caused operational difficulties.” BAA added that “contrary to some reports” no one was sent home early and many staff worked late.