The public responded to the news on the social media site, with one writing: “I have a feeling there will be little travel for at least a few months. I would suggest that most current travel is simply to repatriate people.”
Another said: “Finally! Someone’s job is saved by Covid!”
In latest information on its website, BA states: “We’re currently experiencing extremely high call volumes. Please don’t call or message unless you’re travelling in the next 72 hours so we can help those needing urgent rebooking.”
British Airways bosses have warned staff there will be a loss of jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a memo to staff boss Alex Cruz wrote job cuts could be “short term, perhaps long term”.
IAG owns a huge number of airlines, including Aer Lingus, British Airways, IAG Cargo, Iberia and Vueling.
British Airways’ parent company IAG also announced plans to reduce capacity.
It said in a statement: “IAG is implementing further initiatives in response to this challenging market environment.
“Capacity, in terms of available seat kilometres, in the first quarter of 2020 is now expected to be reduced by around 7.5 percent compared to last year.
“For April and May, the group plans to reduce capacity by at least 75% compared to the same period in 2019.
“IAG is also taking actions to reduce operating expenses and improve cash flow. These include grounding surplus aircraft, reducing and deferring capital spending, cutting non-essential and non-cyber related IT spend, freezing recruitment and discretionary spending, implementing voluntary leave options, temporarily suspending employment contracts and reducing working hours.”
More to follow
