British Airways dropped some flights from Heathrow to New York and other destinations during the summer peak season.

The carrier, which operates more than 50% of flights from Heathrow, grounded one round-trip per day to either JFK or Newark airports between mid-July and mid-September, according to The Sunday Times.

BA also cancelled some long-haul services to Boston and Philadelphia, as well as dropping flights from Heathrow to Aberdeen, Geneva and Zurich.

The cancelling of New York flights was reportedly alternated between the city’s two international airports to avoid BA losing the right to operate either slot.

BA said that the changes were intended to keep the rest of its schedule “on track” and give it “more breathing space”.

Although there is speculation that the airline has too many slots at Heathrow, which could undermine the case for the airport’s expansion.

The Airports Commission has recommended that Heathrow should be allowed to build a third runway. The government is due to make a decision by the end of this year.

Willie Walsh, chief executive of BA’s parent company International Airlines Group has said the company “won’t pay” the cost for the construction of a new runway at Heathrow.