British Airways has announced contingency plans to enable around 45,000 passengers to fly each day during a first strike period, which has been called by the union which looks after the industrial interests of airline cabin crews.

The company is aiming to keep all its 777 long-haul planes flying throughout the strike and has come to an agreement with 40 other carriers to allow customers to rebook their flights free of charge in the event of BA cancellations.

Between March 20 and 22, 60% of long-haul flights to and from Heathrow will operate as planned, with 30% of short-haul flights to and from the airport to function.

Out of Gatwick, all long-haul services will take place, with more than half of short-haul trips to go ahead.

Flights to and from London City will be unaffected by the strikes, as will services run by BA franchise partners.