By Jack Mendel
British Airways (BA) has extended its ticket sale suspension for short-haul flights from Heathrow until 15 August.
“Short-haul flights departing from Heathrow will now be closed for sale until 15 August 2022 in all channels,” the company said.
“These flights will not be available to book via ba.com or via our partners.”
The move comes as late last night the legacy carrier announced it was halting the sale of tickets until 8 August to comply with Heathrow’s cap.
This will mean thousands of holidaymakers will not be able to get away as seats on planes are removed from sale, while prices are likely to shoot up as demand increases and supply narrows.
This comes as Britain’s biggest airport was forced to limit passengers to 100,000 a day, as staff shortages and soaring demand over the summer has led to hour-long queues.
Heathrow announced it was pleased with the airline’s move and said BA “acting responsibly and also putting the passenger first.”
On the other hand, travel agent group Advantage lambasted the decision, calling it “a further blow to consumer confidence.”
“Whilst we understand that no airline wants to cancel flights at short notice, airlines who are making these last minute changes to schedules must urgently look to improve their communication to passengers,” said chief executive Julia Lo-Bue Said.
According to the Times, industry experts said it was “very possible” the ticket sales restriction would be in place for the rest of the summer due to the demand.
City A.M. has approached the carrier for further comment.
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