British Airways has extended by at least two hours the cancellation of all of its flights into and out of London's Heathrow Airport, which has stranded thousands of passengers for a second day.
Airline officials say flights will remain suspended until at least 19 hours UT Friday.
The airline canceled all flights Thursday because of a labor dispute over dismissals of workers at a catering firm that services its aircraft. The airline's ground crews walked of the job in sympathy, forcing the suspensions. Airlines such as Quantas, Finnair and Sri Lankan Airways that use the same British Airways ground staff also canceled flights.
The company asked passengers to stay away from the airport. Those already stranded at terminals have been given food and hotel vouchers.
It is the third consecutive year that British Airways has experienced disruptions at the height of its travel season.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
