BA takes Bank Holiday flights off sale

BRITISH Airways has taken the majority of flights over the August Bank Holiday weekend off sale in a move that could cost the airline millions.

The carrier is in last gap talks with the unions this morning in a bid to avert strikes but has taken flights on August 27, 28, 29 and some flights on August 30 off sale as a precautionary measure.

BA insists the majority of seats have already been sold for the weekend so the move won't hit it financially. However, it will miss any last minute bookings for the weekend.

The carrier has also introduced a rebooking facility to allow passengers booked for flights up to September 4 the chance to change the date of flying.

The deadline suggests BA is expecting strikes to have a long-lasting effect after the day they will be taken on.

In a message to staff, chief executive Rod Eddington said low-cost carriers could "run us out of town”, if costs can't be taken out the business.

He also said absenteeism is costing the airline £60 million a year.