Around 100 services – 62 of which from the UK – were pulled on Monday (4 April) alone. According to The Guardian, 222 flights have been axed since Friday (1 April). 

The airline reportedly said it had tried to offset the problem by using standby crew but was forced "to make some cancellations in advance".

EasyJet told the BBC the cancellations were a "small part" of its schedule on Monday (4 April), which is around 1,645 flights.

"As a result of the current high rates of Covid infections across Europe, like all businesses, easyJet is experiencing higher than usual levels of employee sickness," a spokesperson said.

"Unfortunately it has been necessary to make some additional cancellations for today and tomorrow. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause."

Affected customers have reportedly been contacted and offered alternative flights, a voucher or a refund.