BA’s decision, announced on Monday (1 August), follows Heathrow’s imposition last month of a 100,000 passenger a day capacity cap; the flag carrier initially froze new bookings until 8 August to leave space on flights for passengers whose original flights were consolidated owing to the capacity cap.

It has since extended this to 15 August.

Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said said it was high time airlines sorted out their act. "This latest update from BA is a further blow to consumer confidence at this challenging time," she said.

"The late notice of changes and the lack of advance communication is only adding to the anxiety travellers must be feeling. While we understand that no airline wants to cancel flights at short notice, airlines making these last-minute changes to schedules must urgently look to improve their communication to passengers."

Business Travel Association chief executive Clive Wratten echoed Lo Bue-Said’s comments. “Confidence is vital and, as we approach the end of the summer holiday period, it has never been more important for business travel.

"British Airways’ suspension of last-minute sales, many of which would have been made to business travellers, is very disappointing, even if the circumstances that caused it are outside of their control.

"It’s vital that all elements of the travel industry work together to deliver robust and reliable services to business and leisure travellers alike. Without the complete collaboration of key travel infrastructure such as airports, traveller confidence will be eroded."

Capacity crunch

Lo Bue-Said, though, said it was yet another opportunity for agents to prove their worth. "BA’s latest suspension of ticket sales doesn’t impact existing flights," she said.

"For those who are impacted, we would always advise travellers speak to their travel agent about alternative flights so they can get the best advice on destinations and prices, but capacity for August will now be in short supply.

"Let’s hope that after the main summer holidays, the industry can take further steps to ensure a more smooth running of services as we approach the winter months."