British Airways cancels 10,000 more flights this winter over Heathrow Airport passenger cap

British Airways has announced 10,000 more flight cancellations from its winter schedule in addition to thousands already grounded.

It comes after Heathrow Airport’s decision to continue its passenger cap, which was first introduced in July due to staff shortages and an exponential increase in travel.

The UK carrier said it will also cut 12 round-trips per day, totalling 629 flights, until the end of October to stay in accordance with the limit.

The curb on passenger numbers was originally meant to expire on September 11 – however on Monday, the airport said that no more than 100,000 travellers will be able to depart per day until October 29.

BA cancelled an additional 5,000 round-trips – a total of 10,000 services – on Monday as well, which could impact millions of passengers until the end of March.

It comes just weeks after the airline suspended all ticket sales for short-haul flights in order to remain within the restraints of the the passenger cap.

However, BA stressed that impact on customers of these winter cancellations is expected to be “minimal” – it is understood that travellers will be given advance warning of any schedule changes.

A spokesperson for the airline said: “Following Heathrow’s decision to extend its passenger cap we’re making adjustments to our short-haul schedule for the next two months.

“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.

“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.”