British Airways cancels hundreds of summer flights, including Far East routes

The UK's flagship airline has cut journeys from Heathrow to Miami by half

British Airways has removed hundreds of journeys from its schedule this summer. AP

British Airways has cancelled hundreds of flights on popular routes for the summer season, adding to the airline’s increasing woes.

Thousands of passengers are set to be affected by the airline’s decision to drastically reduce schedules from May to August, with journeys to and from some of the most popular holiday routes slashed by half.

Some flights to the US and the Far East will be off limits during the busy period. British Airways hopes to bring back the cancelled flights in September.

Trips to favourite destinations such as Miami, Hong Kong and Tokyo have been called off.

Miami is one of the most popular holiday destinations for British families looking for a sunny spot with a rich culture.

Flights from Heathrow Airport in West London to the city in Florida are set to be reduced from two to one-a-day from June 4 until at least September 7. BA’s decision will affect thousands of passengers over the summer.

BA said the cancelled daily flights to Miami would be picked up by American Airlines.

In an email to customers the airline apologised and vowed to work to find alternatives.

“We will do everything we can to get you where you need to be,” the airline wrote.

The move has also fuelled fears that BA's flights to other major holiday sites could be at risk of being cancelled.

Flights to and from Hong Kong were removed due to the continuing Covid-19 restrictions affecting passengers.

British Airways is suffering from staff shortages after laying off thousands of workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: BA

The changes were announced after a conference in Manila on Thursday.

The decision came on the back of upheaval for BA customers when more than 1,000 flights were cancelled over the past three weeks.

On Wednesday alone, about 112 flights to European and Mediterranean locations were removed from BA’s schedule, after 96 flights were cancelled the previous day.

Britain’s largest airline is suffering from chronic staff shortages. After laying off thousands of staff during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, BA is now trying to hire workers to replenish its ranks.

British Airways through the years

British Airways has been flying for over 100 years. It was founded as Aircraft Transport and Travel Limited in 1919. All photos: Getty Images

A British Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft taking off in 2021

British Airways employees welcome Olympians returning from the Tokyo Olympics at Heathrow Airport in August 2021

A British Airways Boeing 747-400 aircraft arrives at St Athan Airport in Wales in 2020, after setting off for its last flight

A British Union flag flies from the cockpit of a new Airbus A380 aircraft after landing at Heathrow Airport in 2013

Spectators watch as the last Concorde lands at Heathrow Airport in 2003

British Airways Concordes at Glasgow Airport in 1983

David Nicholson, the first chairman of British Airways after the merger of a number of UK airlines, proudly displays a model of the Concorde in 1973

The first Boeing 747 to be operated by the British Overseas Airways Corporation arrives at Heathrow Airport in May 1970

Hawker Siddeley HS 121 Trident 1C medium-range commercial jets for British European Airways at de Havillands Hatfield Aerodrome in 1963

A British Overseas Airways Corporation Comet III aircraft on display at Farnborough in 1954. The British Overseas Airways Corporation was formed in April 1940

Passengers queuing to board a British European Airways Vickers Viking aircraft in 1950

The British Overseas Airways Corporation Short Solent passenger flying boat docks at her new berth near Tower Bridge in London in 1949

A British Overseas Airways Corporation air stewardess brings a tray of coffee to passengers during a Second World War flight in 1945

A British Airways passenger aircraft at Gatwick Airport in 1936

Four Handley Page W10 and one Handley Page W9 Hampstead aircraft operated by Imperial Airways are christened by Lady Maud Hoare, Viscountess Templewood, at Croydon Aerodrome in 1926. Imperial Airways was created in 1924