Flights cancelled LIVE: BA cancels MORE trips leaving Brits’ summer plans in RUINS; plus easyJet, TUI & Ryanair latest
TENS of thousands of passengers are anticipating turmoil this summer as airlines prepare to announce a new wave of cancellations.
On Friday, it was reported that EasyJet is already cancelling thousands of flights this summer due to staff shortages.
The airline has said: “The vast majority of customers’ flights will not be impacted and of those that are, the majority of customers will be re-booked within 24 hours.
“We will be notifying affected customers directly in the coming days with information on their alternative flight or the option to rebook or receive a refund.”
British Airways has also cancelled several flights, sparked by an amnesty on take-off and landing slots.
It previously intended to carry 1.8 million passengers across more than 9,000 flights from Heathrow during July alone.
Read our live flight delays blog below for the latest information...
'Significant challenges'
A British Airways spokesperson told Sun Online Travel that while "most of their flights were unaffected," they were facing "significant challenges" seen across the whole aviation industry.
They added: "The Government recently decided to give the whole industry slot alleviation to minimise potential disruption this summer.
"While taking further action is not where we wanted to be, it's the right thing to do for our customers and our colleagues. This new flexibility means that we can further reduce our schedule and consolidate some of our quieter services so that we can protect as many of our holiday flights as possible."
Passengers affected will be offered a full refund, or can rebook with BA or an alternative airline.
Why are aviation workers striking?
Europe and the United States have been plunged into travel chaos this summer as aviation workers strike, leading to thousands of cancellations, but why are they striking?
Thousands of workers from a number of different companies will go on strike, including Ryanair and BA.
Each union has their own demands, but most call for a return to pre-pandemic pay and better working conditions.
Many workers were fired during the Covid-19 pandemic, and have since been rehired at lower wages.
One airport worker told the : "We are flagrantly understaffed. And we can no longer make ends meet. Workers are demanding more.”
How do I know if my flight has been cancelled?
Here is what should happen if your flight is among the thousands cancelled this summer.
If your flight has been cancelled your airline should contact you, this could be via email, text or phone call.
Here, your airline should explain what options you have, this can range from rescheduling to a refund.
If you haven’t been contacted by your airline, you may want to check their website.
BA comments on devastating new wave of cancellations
BA announced today that 10,300 more flights will be cancelled before October, destroying the plans for many Brits.
A British Airways spokesperson told Sun Online Travel that while ";most of their flights were unaffected," they were facing "significant challenges" seen across the whole aviation industry.
They added: "The Government recently decided to give the whole industry slot alleviation to minimise potential disruption this summer.
"While taking further action is not where we wanted to be, it's the right thing to do for our customers and our colleagues. This new flexibility means that we can further reduce our schedule and consolidate some of our quieter services so that we can protect as many of our holiday flights as possible."
Best ways to track your flights
As BA announces the cancellation of over 10,000 flights between now and October it is important to stay up to date.
Here are some VITAL tools for tracking your flights:
BREAKING NEWS: BA slashes 10,300 more short-haul flights as travel chaos continues
Over 10,000 more flights have been cancelled between now and October by British Airways.
This comes as the aviation industry is hit with staff shortages after laying off huge numbers of workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This is sure to destroy the summer plans for hundreds of Brits.
The airline announces this news just 24 hours before its workers are set to vote on strike action.
Travel chaos hits the US, as Delta cancels flights
Delta has canceled approximately 4% of its flights since Memorial Day.
According to , an additional 20% of Delta flights have been delayed by almost an hour.
This comes as travel chaos devastates Brits holiday plans, as dozens of flights are cancelled everyday.
Places to avoid in Spain this summer, amid travel chaos
Ryanair workers are set to strike in the coming month, as they seek higher wages, better working conditions and better benefits.
The walkouts have been proposed from July 12 to 15, July 18 to 21 and July 25 to 28.
This will affect flights at ten bases across Spain - Madrid, Malaga, Barcelona, Alicante, Sevilla, Palma, Valencia, Girona, Santiago de Compostela and Ibiza.
UK government warns Brits against traveling to Spain this summer
The travel chaos continues to get worse for Brits this summer, as strikes, unemployment and technical issues cause massive cancellations across the board.
And now, the UK government has warned against traveling to Spain this summer, as Ryanair workers announce strikes.
The Foreign Office travel advice stats: "Planned strike action in July may cause some disruption to EasyJet and Ryanair flights to and from Spain.
"If you think your travel plans may be affected, you should consult your airline for the latest travel updates."
Top tips on saving money on your summer holidays (2/2)
Tom Church, Co-Founder of money-saving community and dad, has revealed how he saves hundreds of pounds on holidays every year.
The money-saving expert also revealed how important it is to only visit places at certain times.
He said: “Flying in late August can land you a cheap flight, with a big cluster of £20-odd flights in this time period.
“But fly just a day earlier, on 27th August, and pay £49 per ticket – that’s twice the price! You can grab this deal by booking separate tickets together with Wizz Air.
“Just be sure to choose your flight carefully – easyJet is the most expensive on this day, with a 9am flight priced at £45.”
Top tips on saving money on your summer holidays (1/2)
Tom Church, Co-Founder of money-saving community and dad, has revealed how he saves hundreds of pounds on holidays every year.
He revealed how, without using price comparison sites, he is able to track down the most affordable flights.
He said: “I wanted to go on a summer holiday abroad with my partner and son but we’re on a budget. At first glance, everything was so expensive.
“I found flight price comparison sites aren’t very good at the moment. Lots of the prices they show are old or don’t include things so it’s always more expensive.
“Google Flights, which is free, has some nifty tools most people don’t know about to help you find bargains.
“You can set your budget and search for open dates to either specific or open destinations.
“Then, what I do is create free email alerts. These email alerts tell you whether the flights are below-average price, average, or a high price.
“I’ve been a bit obsessed over the past year and have set up thousands of these alerts. You can then filter them so you only see the best deals. It’s like having your personal travel agent.
“The good news is that flight deals are out there, and I’ve found some great offers which result in savings of £80 on average.”
In pictures: Discarded luggage fills Heathrow Airport
Traveling this weekend was disastrous for many, but non more so than those who had their bags thrown to the wayside at Heathrow airport.
This occurred due to understaffing and a technical fault with the airport’s fuelling system, leading to massive delays.
Adam Kent, who arrived at Heathrow from Florida, described the scenes as “chaos.”
He said: (There was) lost luggage everywhere, stacked between baggage belts everyone stepping over it and no one doing anything about it.
“Being brutally honest, it looks like a serious health and safety issue.
“No one visible on the ground to explain the carnage or sort out the mess, it seems like lots of luggage has not arrived with passengers and just been dumped.”
Here are the airlines with the highest number of cancellations this summer
Travel CHAOS has hit the UK this year, and it is set to get worse in the coming weeks, as strikes, shortages and under staffing hits airports and airlines.
But who are the biggest offenders?
Since June 2022, here are the airlines with the most cancellations:
- easyJet: 738 cancellations
- BA: 419 cancellations
- Air France: 113 cancellations
- Loganair: 112 cancellations
- Wizzair: 86 cancellations
Meanwhile, Tui and Ryanair have seen a number of cancellations, 27 and 32 respectively.
British Airways flights cancelled
British Airways has canceled several popular routes over the past year.
According to the , British Airways plans to cancel over 105,000 people’s flights.
Destinations include:
- London
- Dublin
- Belfast
- Frankfurt
- Amsterdam
- New York
Airlines underestimated Brits eagerness to travel
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey today told Sky News: “Airports and airlines released a lot of people after the furlough scheme had come to an end.
“Perhaps they did not anticipate the desire for people to get out of the country.
“It matters that airlines have confidence flights can be delivered and passengers know well in advance if their flights is cancelled. “
Airports relax vetting of staff in order to ease travel chaos
This summer has seen a deluge of delays and cancellation hit airports across the country.
But now, airports are set to relax checks on workers in order to raise staff numbers.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps praised the move, claiming it is evidence of the Government “doing its bit to help deliver for passengers”.
This summer set to be 'the most challenging period in its history', claims BA spokesperson
A British Airways spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: “As the entire aviation industry continues to face into the most challenging period in its history, regrettably it has become necessary to make some further reductions.
“We’re in touch with customers to apologise and offer to rebook them or issue a full refund.”
British Airways has confirmed the cancellations after airlines were given until Friday to take advantage of a government “amnesty” to the rules on airport slots, allowing airlines to change schedules without facing a potential penalty.
Brits brace for summer holiday chaos as more strikes are announced
Brits are set for a summer of travel chaos, as more strikes are set begin for the summer holidays.
The strikes will be from July 21 to July 24, affecting the first weekend of the summer holidays and millions of passengers heading abroad.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “AFS needs to offer its workers a decent pay rise.
"Oil and gas companies are making massive profits so AFS has the wherewithal to make a proper offer. AFS workers have sustained wage cuts for three years so it’s time AFS rewarded their sacrifices.
“Our members at AFS will receive Unite’s complete support until this dispute is resolved and workers receive a decent pay increase.”
Travel chaos continues as BA cancels 650 more flights
The Telegraph newspaper reported this week that BA was cancelling more than 650 flights from London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports to destinations including holiday spots in Spain, Portugal and Greece, affecting up to 105,000 travellers.
BA did not comment directly on the Telegraph report.
Airlines and airports across Europe are struggling to keep up with strong post-pandemic demand from holidaymakers, causing chaos for travellers and forcing Heathrow and Gatwick to impose their own limits on capacity.
BA set to cancel more flights
BRITISH Airways is to cancel more flights this summer, causing chaos for more than 100,000 passengers.
More than 1,000 flights will be cancelled from London Heathrow and London Gatwick Airport.
The flag carrier has already confirmed that 650 flights would be cancelled across July.
This was on top of the scheduled cancellations of 16,000 flights from March to October.
However, more flights will also be cancelled across August, the reports.
Routes affected will likely be those with multiple flights a day, with destinations such as Malaga, Palma and Faro being hit by the cancellations.
How do I know if my flight has been cancelled?
With all the delays and cancellations taking place at the moment, it can be tough to keep track.
If your flight has been cancelled your airline should contact you, this could be via email, text or phone call.
Here, your airline should explain what options you have, this can range from rescheduling to a refund.
If you haven’t been contacted by your airline, you may want to check their website.
Best ways to track your flights
Here are some VITAL tools for tracking your flights:
BA ‘welcome new measures’
Government ministers told airlines to review their flights after the May half term chaos, which was blamed on a shortage of airline and airport staff.
A BA spokesperson added: “We welcome these new measures, which help us to provide the certainty our customers deserve by making it easier to consolidate some of our quieter daily flights to multi-frequency destinations well in advance, and to protect more of our holiday flights.”
Other airlines are expected to follow, with easyJet also cancelling flights in recent months.
How do you cancel an easyJet flight?
To cancel an easyJet flight, you need to go to the easyJet website.
Go to the Manage Bookings section and use your surname and booking reference to log in, and then choose the flight reservation you wish to cancel and click “Cancel”.
If you are asked to pay a cancellation fee, you can do so by entering your card payment details – and your flight should now be cancelled.
Alternatively, customers can call the easyJet customer service team on 0330 365 5000.
You can also cancel flights at an easyJet Help Desk at most airports – but this must be under two hours before take-off.
If your flight is cancelled due to a coronavirus travel ban or the Foreign Office advises against travel to your destination, you will be fully refunded.
But if you choose not to fly due to personal safety concerns and the flight does go ahead, you are not entitled to your money back.
EasyJet boss QUITS amid travel chaos
EasyJet’s chief operating officer Peter Bellew has resigned as the airline faces more cancellations and strike action.
Bellew has reportedly resigned to pursue “other business opportunities.”
This weekend, the Luton-based airline was brought to a standstill by strike action, as workers seek fairer pay and better treatment in the workplace.
EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren said: “I would like to thank Peter for his hard work and wish him well.
“Everyone at easyJet remains absolutely focused on delivering a safe and reliable operation this summer.”