Airlines have cancelled dozens more flights as they continue to struggle with Covid staff absences. 

EasyJet and British Airways have cancelled more than 100 flights due to run on Wednesday, adding to days of havoc at airports. 

In the past week, well over 1,000 flights have been affected, according to figures from data company Cirium, compared to 197 the same week in 2019, with holidaymakers waiting in hours-long queues to get through airports. 

EasyJet has pulled at least 30 flights to or from Gatwick airport on Wednesday, while BA appeared to have axed 78 flights in and out of Heathrow. 

The cancellations come after airlines reported difficulties with staffing as Covid infections force workers to call in sick. 

Earlier this week easyJet said disruption was set to continue over the Easter holidays and it was cancelling services in advance to “give customers the ability to rebook onto alternative flights”.

A spokesman added: “We are sorry for any inconvenience for affected customers.”

British Airways, meanwhile, has reduced its schedule for the coming weeks as it attempts to ramp up its operations as demand for travel returns.

“Aviation has been one of the industries worst hit by the pandemic and airlines and airports are experiencing the same issues rebuilding their operations while managing the continuing impact of Covid,” a spokesman for the airline said.

“So while the vast majority of our flights continue to operate as planned, as a precaution we’ve slightly reduced our schedule between now and the end of May as we ramp back up.”  

Manchester airport has been among those badly affected by travel delays, with some passengers missing flights due to long queues at security screening. 

Earlier this week the mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, suggested police could be drafted in to help bring the situation back under control. 

The airport’s managing director, Karen Smart, said on Tuesday she would step down after eight years in the role.