Whilst there may well be real reasons to play hardball, the very idea of such brinksmanship in these interesting times is, IMHO, just a bit short of mad. The competition, especially the Middle-Eastern giants will just capitalise on this event and hoover up the passengers, especially those wanting to travel over the xmas/ny period who won't want to risk disruptions. Image or the perception of it is everything and to take an internal issue external and affect your customers......never a good idea.