British Airways (BA) has announced plans to axe around 10,000 more short-haul flights from its schedule this winter, with “further cancellations” expected before October.
After the aviation industry has struggled to cope with demand for air travel, and after tens of thousands of flights have been cancelled by multiple airlines at various airports across the UK already this summer – including at Manchester Airport, which has grabbed headlines for its scenes of travel chaos over the last few months – BA is set to throw another spanner in the works for passengers hoping to jet off before 2022 is out.
The airline has confirmed that more than 600 round-trips will be cancelled up to 29 October.
The total capacity BA’s winter schedule until the end of March 2023 will be reduced by 8%, which is thought to impact around 10,000 flights.
Most of the flights set to be cancelled this winter are to and from Heathrow Airport, where the airline has chosen to continue its passenger cap – which was introduced in July due to staff shortages – but the potential for flights to be axed from other UK airports has not yet been confirmed.
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British Airways has announced plans to axe around 10,000 more short-haul flights from its schedule this winter / Credit: Miguel Angel Sanz (via Unsplash)
Announcing the reduced flight schedule, a spokesperson for BA said: “While the vast majority of our customers will travel as planned, and we’re protecting key holiday destinations over half-term.
“We will need to make some further cancellations up to the end of October.
“In addition, we’re giving customers travelling with us this winter notice of some adjustments to our schedule, which will include consolidating some of our short-haul flights to destinations with multiple services.”
More than 600 round-trips will be cancelled up to 29 October too / Credit: The Blowup (via Unsplash)
The airline confirmed that it will be offering customers affected by any of these changes an alternative flight with British Airways or another airline.
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The option of a refund can also be taken.
BA’s flight schedule reduction also comes after the airline announced an unprecedented temporary pause in selling new tickets for short-haul flights from Heathrow earlier this month.
More than 30,000 BA flights over the wider summer period had already been cancelled.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd August 2022 
