Passengers are choosing not to fly on September 11, the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America.

At least seven transatlantic flights from Gatwick have so far been cancelled because of low bookings as people decide not to travel.

British Airways, which operates several transatlantic flights out of Gatwick, has cancelled flights to Phoenix, San Diego, Orlando and Barbados.

A spokeswoman said: "This is a commercial decision. It is as much to do with low bookings as anything else, although we will have some sort of memorial taking place on the day."

On September 11 last year two planes fully laden with fuel were hijacked by terrorists and flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Centre.

The towers collapsed, killing about 3,000 people.

Another hijacked jet ploughed into the Pentagon and a fourth crashed into countryside after the passengers stormed the cockpit to try to overpower the terrorists.

Virgin Atlantic has cancelled flights to New York, Los Angeles and Orlando and will be offering a reduced service to the United States on the 11th.

A spokeswoman said: "Basically we have cancelled the flights because of low bookings and as a mark of respect to the victims.

"I think the airline industry as a whole is going to be very quiet. I think staff will want to reflect on that day.

"We are also keeping advertising very low-key in the run-up to September 11 and we won't be advertising at all on the day."

A spokesman for Gatwick Airport operator BAA said predicted travel figures for September 11 had not yet been compiled, although it would be marking the anniversary in some way.

Mid Sussex MP Nicholas Soames said: "There remains a very serious threat. The precautions taken all over the world are entirely necessary and the travelling public has become used to them."