British Airways to axe more flights

British Airways is to cancel a further 1,500 flights this summer as it battles the ongoing travel chaos plaguing the aviation sector.

The carrier, part of Spain’s International Airlines Group, plans to reduce its summer schedule, which runs from April to October, by 11%, up on previous plans announced in May to cut it by 10%. The increase is equivalent to around 1,500 flights, according to the Financial Times.

The majority of cuts are expected to happen this month, it was widely reported, with flights out of Heathrow and Gatwick most likely affected.

In an emailed statement, a spokesperson said: "As the entire aviation industry continues to face into the most challenging period in its history, regrettably it has become necessary to make sure further reductions.

"We’re in touch with customers to apologise and offer to rebook them or issue a full refund."

On Monday The Telegraph said BA was cancelling more than 650 flights from Heathrow and Gatwick to a variety of holiday destinations, including Spain and Greece.

The global airline sector, which was floored by Covid-19, has struggled to meet the surge in demand following the removal of restrictions. Along with airports, the sector has also battled to recruit enough staff after axing thousands of jobs during the pandemic.

Last week transport minister Grant Shapps said airports and airlines must either commit to running flights or cancel them "with plenty of time to spare", in a bid to avoid the widespread queues, delays and disruption seen at airports across the UK during Easter and the Whitsun half term.

The FT said BA was continuing to review whether to cut yet more flights, citing a person familiar with the matter.