British Airways is today reported to have cancelled 650 flights from Heathrow and Gatwick airports, affecting 105,000 would-be passengers. They may do so in light of ministers announcing a one-off “amnesty” allowing airlines to cancel flights without penalty.
BA describes the current situation as “the most challenging period in its history”.
That’s along with around 700 BA check-in and ground-handling staff at Heathrow Airport set to go on strike later this month.
Huge queues and baggage pile-ups have been the story of the last few months, leading to the government recently setting out a 22-point plan to support the aviation industry.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced: “It’s now on airports and airlines to commit to running the flights they’ve promised or cancel them with plenty of time to spare so we can avoid the kind of scenes we saw at Easter and half-term.
“With 100 days having passed since we set out that restrictions would be eased, there’s simply no excuse for widespread disruption.”
It remains to be seen whether that will help the industry get back on course. There’s every chance you’ll find your travel plans up in the air and questioning whether it’s worth the stress.
Is airport chaos putting you off from travelling this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below for the chance to be featured on the ES website.
Yesterday we asked your thoughts on demographer Paul Morland’s proposal for child-free adults paying extra tax to help boost the country’s birth rate. Standard reader Eastmoonrabbit wasn’t in favour: “This is so stupid. Childless couples pollute less. Use less energy. Deplete resources less. Don’t demand as much infrastructure. Etc. They ought to be applauded.”
