Published on Monday, October 19, 2020

BA Gatwick future in doubt

British Airways is believed to be scaling back operations at Gatwick Airport, according to reports at the weekend.


The Mail on Sunday says BA intends to move its focus to Heathrow Airport, where it will ramp up its premium leisure long-haul flights to destinations including Bermuda and Barbados to counter the drop in business travel.


It's thought Sean Doyle, the new BA chief executive who replaced Alex Cruz last week, will reduce operations from Gatwick as part of a wide-ranging new strategy.


In June, British Airways announced it would move its short-haul flights from Gatwick to Heathrow, with only a small number of long-haul flights operating from Gatwick.


Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate told the Mail on Sunday: "I know Sean is aware of the immense value that Gatwick adds to the airline's network from his days running BA's operations at the airport. 


'I'm looking forward to welcoming back the airline's short-haul services as soon as possible.' 


A BA spokesperson said: "Until March 2021, most of our short-haul flights will continue to operate from Heathrow. This enables us to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted and efficient operation across our business at a time when demand is yet to return and international travel restrictions remain in place."


By Louise Longman, Contributing Editor (UK)

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