BA said in a statement: “We are delighted for our customers that the threat of a Christmas strike has been lifted by the court. It is a decision that will be welcomed by hundreds of thousands of families in the UK and around the world. There was never any need for a strike and we hope that Unite will take this opportunity to reflect before deciding its next steps. We believe the public would want that too. It has also become very clear that our customers do not believe that old-style trade union militancy is relevant to our efforts to move British Airways back toward profitability. Financial success is essential to build the kind of business our customers want and provide long-term opportunities for our staff.”

BA’s QC, Bruce Carr, said that the 12-day strike would deprive literally millions of people of a happy Christmas. He told the High Court in London: “BA has therefore brought this action to protect its passengers against these wilful, disproportionate and clearly unlawful actions.”

Continuing the union’s submissions this morning, its counsel, John Hendy QC, said he would address the court on the law before moving on to the issues of the balance of convenience and discretion.

Despite the court action, BA chief executive, Willie Walsh, has held his first meeting with the joint leaders of the Unite union since talks broke down last week. Before meeting Mr Walsh at an undisclosed location, Unite leader Tony Woodley, said: “Last Friday we offered a course for peace: suspend the imposition, the strike will be off. I cannot be clearer.”

Gordon Brown said he was very worried by the prospect of a BA strike, and warned that BA and the unions must both consider the damage the airline would suffer if they cannot reach a resolution.

Meanwhile, BA cabin crew have been having second thoughts over the decision of union leaders to call a strike over Christmas, having underestimated the size and hostility of the public backlash.