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Ryanair\u2019s UK flights operated as normal on Thursday morning despite a strike by pilots, the airline said.<\/p>\nRyanair\u2019s UK flights operated as normal on Thursday morning despite a strike by pilots, the airline said.<\/p>\n
There were fears of widespread disruption after the Dublin-based carrier lost a High Court bid to force its pilots to take to the skies.<\/p>\n
But the airline reported a 97% punctuality rate for its first departures and arrivals at UK airports on Thursday, blaming the small number of delays on air traffic control issues.<\/p>\n
Ryanair said: \u201cWe do not expect any disruptions to our flights to or from our UK airports today.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wish to thank all our UK pilots who have chosen to work to protect the flights and travel plans of our customers and their families over the bank holiday weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n
A judge sitting in London on Wednesday rejected an urgent application by the airline for an injunction against the British Airline Pilots\u2019 Association (Balpa).<\/p>\n
Following its court victory, Balpa said it had offered to reopen talks with Ryanair in a last-ditch attempt to avoid industrial action in a dispute over pay and conditions.<\/p>\n
But the union said the airline had \u201crejected the offer out of hand\u201d and the strikes would go ahead as planned from 12.01am on Thursday to 11.59pm on Friday.<\/p>\n
Brian Strutton, Balpa general secretary, said: \u201cWe are extremely disappointed that Ryanair have taken such a belligerent and negative stance.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have become used to their macho posturing but sadly it is their passengers who will pay the price for Ryanair\u2019s attitude.\u201d<\/p>\n
A second round of strikes is planned between September 2-4.<\/p>\n
Just a few hours before the judgment in London, Ryanair won a similar legal move at the High Court in Dublin, meaning flights departing from Irish airports are operating as normal.<\/p>\n
The airline urged the Forsa union and what it described as \u201cthis small minority of very well paid Irish pilots\u201d to resume mediation.<\/p>\n