Travel chaos is continuing well into next year as British Airways plans to cut 10,000 flights over the winter months. Starting from late October, the airline is slashing short-haul flights from Heathrow – and the reduced schedule could last until March 2023.
Some long-haul flights are also to be affected as the airline hopes to minimise travel disruption over coming months. Currently it is cutting around a dozen round trips per day until October when further cancellations are due.
The reason for this is due to the airline industry cutting many jobs during the Covid pandemic, and failing to recruit as demand has ramped up. Heathrow, BA’s main hub, has particularly struggled, with staff shortages causing queues, cancellations and delays at baggage claim.
BA has said the cancellations will occur on flights to destinations that are somewhat easy to get to via other routes. It also said it will be protecting key holiday destinations over half term. Affected passengers can book an alternative flight with another airline or get a refund.
In a statement, the airline said it will make sure impact is ‘minimal’, saying ‘customers booked for winter will be able to travel as planned and are being given several months’ notice of any changes’.
ICYMI: here’s why everyone should be talking about bird flu right now.