PORTS of Jersey are in contact with British Airways after the airline announced plans to cut 10,300 short-haul flights later this year, but it remains unclear what impact the move will have on Jersey, according to the Island’s airport director.
Robin MacRae said that Ports were expecting to receive a revised summer schedule from British Airways ‘shortly’.
The cancellations affect flights to and from London Heathrow, Gatwick and City airports. The announcement means that almost 30,000 flights have been taken off the airline’s schedule between April and October this year.
British Airways is one of a number of airlines that have been hit by staff shortages.
Reports in the national media on Thursday also revealed that the airline had agreed an improved pay offer for its workers – many of whom had planned to go on strike which would have affected passengers travelling to and from Heathrow at the start of the school summer holidays.
Mr MacRae said: ‘We are in contact with British Airways, after their announcement regarding their intention to reduce some short-haul flights until the end of October across their network. They have stated that their objective is to consolidate some services to protect as many of their holiday flights as possible.
‘As yet, it is not clear what the impact will be on Jersey. We do expect to receive a revised summer schedule from British Airways shortly, however we do not currently know what the exact changes will be. As soon as we have more information, we will share what we know.’
He added: ‘British Airways has assured passengers that most of their flights will be unaffected and will offer to rebook new flights or issue a full refund in the event of cancellation.’
