Passengers could be hit with higher airfares this summer after British Airways suspended all short-haul flight sales from Heathrow.
The airline today confirmed it would not be taking any new bookings until August 15 - a week longer than it said on Monday.
It comes in the wake of Heathrow Airport’s decision last month to cap passenger numbers at 100,000 a day during the peak summer season.
The unprecedented move will result in thousands of seats being removed from sale and will push up already high prices across the industry.
Experts said it was “very possible” ticket sales would be restricted for the rest of the summer, including the August bank holiday, owing to huge demand for holidays.
A spokesman for BA said: “As a result of Heathrow’s request to limit new bookings, we’ve decided to take responsible action and limit the available fares on some Heathrow services to help maximise rebooking options for existing customers, given the restrictions imposed on us and the ongoing challenges facing the entire aviation industry.”
Guy Hobbs, editor of Which? Travel, said: “With further ticket sale suspensions possible, people should consider booking as early as possible to avoid last-minute disappointment and inflated fares.
“They should also consider alternative airports and airlines where possible.”
