If I remember correctly, last time there was a dispute at LHR we had several 747s divert direct to MAN with PAX as there were no stands left at LHR. Plenty of space at MAN ay the moment !!
Not really on topic, but I just had a rare thought
Say the strike goes ahead as threatened, what would the crews on long haul outbounds due out before the strike do ? Would you turn up for work knowing that you would be dumped the other side of the world for xmas ?