EasyJet, BA cancel flights due to Covid-related absences

Low-cost carrier EasyJet and national carrier British Airways revealed on Monday that they had been forced to cancel approximately 100 flights each due to higher than usual levels of Covid-19 related staff absences.

EasyJet said it had attempted to offset the absences by utilising standby crew members but had still been forced to "make some cancellations in advance amid rising demand for travel ahead of the Easter school holidays.

The airline said the cancellations, which include 62 UK departures, were only a small part of today's schedule of around 1,645 flights.

"As a result of the current high rates of Covid infections across Europe, like all businesses, easyJet is experiencing higher than usual levels of employee sickness," said an EasyJet spokesman.

"Unfortunately it has been necessary to make some additional cancellations for today and tomorrow. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause."

EasyJet also noted that affected customers had been contacted and would be able to rebook on alternative flights or receive a voucher or refund.

IAG's British Airways has also been forced to cancel dozens of flights due to the fresh surge in Covid cases, with the flagship carrier scrapping 90 flights less than a week after its latest IT meltdown led to a string of cancellations last Wednesday.

Both EasyJet and British Airways have removed mandates that require passengers and staff to wear face masks on flights.

As of 0825 BST, EasyJet shares were down 2.16% at 543.0p.