News

BRITISH Airways has axed its Heathrow to Belfast service, suspended eight European routes and drastically cut flights to major US cities in a bid to cut costs in the wake of last month’s US attacks.

From October 27, 190 fewer scheduled services will operate from Heathrow and Gatwick to the US and Europe after chief executive Rod Eddington gave the go-ahead to slash capacity by 9% following the September 11 attacks.

BA director of strategy David Spurlock warned: “This is the first phase of measures to address the changing conditions. We are reviewing the market and our network on a week-to-week basis and consequently will quickly address further issues as they arise in order to protect our business.”

10 routes to Europe and New York JFK have been suspended and up to 10 routes have been switched away from Gatwick to Heathrow.

Spurlock added: “We have transferred services from Gatwick to Heathrow where experience has shown us the prospects for future profitability are stronger. The current difficult market conditions demand we take firm action - our focus has to be on making best use of our assets.”