British Airways pilots’ strike: Over 280,000 passengers stranded, air fare skyrockets by 2,200%

Over 280,000 passengers who had intended to travel with the British Airways are currently stranded, even as airfare has skyrocketed by 2,200%.

The CNN reports that this was caused by the ongoing strike embarked upon by the pilots of the airline.

The situation has left the UK “isolated amid sold-out routes and stratospherically priced flights,” CNN said.

Quoting an expert, CNN noted that while air ticket prices are typically fluid and increment during periods of heavy demand are not uncommon, the level of increase seen during this ongoing strike is particularly extreme.

A return flight this week from London to Nice, in the South of France, costs as much as £1,272 ($1,573) for the less-than-two-hour journey.

As of last Wednesday, the same flight was £694 ($858), the medium stated.

“The £1,272 bill was the price offered on Monday morning for an easyJet flight departing London Gatwick Monday evening, and returning Wednesday morning.

“Returning Tuesday cost a little less, at £1,055,” CNN stated.

Those fares — which did not include seat assignments, checked baggage, or any food or drink — had sold out by 3 p.m. Monday.

The cheapest return flight on Wednesday, September 11 was £448.50 ($555) one-way, it added.

“British Airways is selling return fares to Nice on other dates in September for £58 — making this week’s flights nearly 22 times as expensive,” CNN said.