Whilst I realise that some may not agree with me I personally feel that this is a step in the right direction. Far too often the company bully's others into getting what they want. Now while this will have been done legitimately and that I understand, I feel its a blow to the EK ego who think they are virtually invincible.
They need to eat some humble pie and maybe this will spur other such events to ensure that EK is brought to a more humble level.
I would hate to see the UK govt bow down to EK, regardless of how much money they "bring" to the economy. The management need to realise that they cannot do what they want just because they are EK.
Much like the hotel contract in SFO, "oh no we won't pay $5 more because we're EK" now they have a worse hotel further away from the city and paying over $15 more because of arrogance - yes I consider this arrogance