BA challenges Gulf war claims

British Airways began legal action at the Court of Session in Edinburgh aimed at dismissing claims for damages by a group of Gulf war hostages who allege that the airline failed in its duty by flying them into Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion in 1990.

The six passengers, who are each claiming pounds 100,000, allege that 32 members of the SAS boarded their delayed flight two minutes before it left Heathrow and that members of the Kuwaiti royal family were advised to cancel their seats. BA denies the allegations and denies liability.