BA strike: How will the walkout affect return flights?

Got a question? Our expert, Simon Calder, can help

An unusually empty Heathrow Terminal 5 this morning: passengers whose flights have been cancelled have been advised to avoid the airport (Simon Calder)

Q I am booked to fly with British Airways from Heathrow to Toronto on 9 October and returning on 24 October. What would happen if the pilots announce a strike for 24 October?

Could BA say that I must fly out since there is no strike on 9 October, and refuse a refund on the outbound, yet refund the return part of the flight – obliging me to make my own (very expensive) return arrangements?

Graham B