Following a passenger cap that started in July due to extreme staff shortages, British Airways is now cutting thousands of routes ahead of the year-end holidays.

Extending the changes implemented since July, British Airways (BA) has announced it will be making “some further cancellations” up to the end of October by cutting thousands more flights from its winter schedule.

This latest update follows the decision by Heathrow Airport that aims to continue its passenger cap that started because of staff shortage and other issues. Between July until the end of October, more than 600 round trips are expected to be cancelled.

“While the vast majority of our customers will travel as planned, and we’re protecting key holiday destinations over half-term, we will need to make some further cancellations up to the end of October,” said a BA spokesperson.

“In addition, we’re giving customers travelling with us this winter notice of some adjustments to our schedule, which will include consolidating some of our short-haul flights to destinations with multiple services.

“We’ll be offering customers affected by any of these changes an alternative flight with British Airways or another airline, or the option of a refund,” they added.

The total capacity for the winter schedule until the end of March will be reduced by 8% and impact around 10,000 flights but reports say that customers booked for winter will still be able to travel, and are being given several months’ notice of any changes.

The passenger cap has already seen thousands of seats removed from sale amid concerns that it may increase demand and inflate prices with rival firms.

Source: Sky News