BRITISH Airways plans to expand its flight schedule for the second wave of strikes by its cabin crew from this weekend, the airline announced last night.

Less than 18 hours after thousands of Unite members ended a three-day walk-out, BA said it will run a full operation at Gatwick during the next strikes, all flights from London City and extended services from Heathrow.

The firm said 55% of short-haul and 70% of long-haul flights will operate from Heathrow during the four-day walk-out from this Saturday.

The airline said it will continue to supplement its short-haul schedule by leasing up to 11 aircraft with pilots and crews each day of the action from six different airlines based in the UK and Europe.

BA said customers who were booked on flights that have now been cancelled will be offered seats on alternative British Airways flights or on services operated by other airlines or offered a full refund.

British Airways’ chief executive, Willie Walsh, said: “The biggest contingency plan in our history went extremely well last weekend, with large numbers of cabin crew reporting for work as normal.

“As a result of the numbers of crew wanting to work, we are increasing significantly our flying schedule and will be operating a full schedule at Gatwick and London City Airports.”