A dispute between British Airways and Aeroports de Paris (ADP) over security surrounding Air Algerie operations at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport has resulted in the UK airline abandoning check-in of passengers baggage while the twice- daily flights from the North African nation are being checked in. Algeria has been hit by terrorist killings in recent years and France has been the target of bombings.
BA passengers at CDG are checking in at "a number of locations", including the Copthorne Hotel at the airport. BA is also making alternative travel arrangements for those who need it. BA complains that Air Algerie, newly returned to CDG operations, is separated for security reasons from all other airlines at three other French airports, but at CDG its hold baggage is processed with BA's. ADP insists that its security procedures are sound.
The issue has been referred to a second legal tribunal after a first tribunal declined to make a decision. The case will be heard in July. BA's appeal to allow it to shift its operations to Orly Airport has been turned down by ADP.
Source: Flight International
