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LONDON (AP) — British Airways said on Tuesday it would cancel hundreds of summer flights, saying it was necessary after previously announced cuts to scheduled flights proved insufficient to ease travel disruptions.
The announcement will affect tens of thousands of passengers planning to fly from London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
The airline announced in the spring that it would cancel 10% of its flights between April and October to avoid cancellations on the day of departure.
The latest cancellations bring the figure to around 11%.
British Airways said it was offering customers refunds or rebookings on other flights.
“We took pre-emptive action earlier this year to reduce our summer timetable in order to inform as many customers as possible of any changes to their travel plans,” British Airways said.
“As the aviation industry as a whole continues to face the most challenging period in its history, it is regrettable that further spending cuts will be necessary,” it added.
Airlines and airports in Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere are facing staff shortages for jobs ranging from baggage handlers to security guards. The shortage, coupled with a surge in travel demand after coronavirus restrictions were lifted in many places, has caused delays to airport lines and flights.
British Airways’ cancellation comes after Heathrow staff voted to strike to resolve a pay dispute.
Workers, including reporting staff, are deciding on a strike date, but it is expected to take place during the peak summer holiday season.
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