British Airways is to recruit 200 new workers following disruption to flights last month which led to cancellations and travel chaos for passengers, it was announced today.

The airline has been conducting a review of its operations since the disruption at Heathrow Airport on August 23 when dozens of flights were cancelled, leaving more than 1,500 people stranded.

There had been speculation that senior managers would lose their jobs following the disruption but BA has instead decided to increase the number of customer service staff.

Meanwhile, meetings aimed at averting strikes by workers at Heathrow and Gatwick in separate disputes will be held today, just hours before the industrial action is due to start.

Around 40 workers who re-fuel aircraft at Heathrow will discuss a new pay offer, but are set to walk out for 48 hours from 4.30am tomorrow, which the union claims will disrupt flights into and out of Heathrow.

Fresh talks will be held between the TGWU and Ground Servisair to try to settle a row at Gatwick.

Hundreds of baggage handlers and maintenance workers are threatening to strike on Saturday in a row over workloads.

The workers will also strike on September 30 if the dispute is not settled.

The row worsened when a senior shop steward was suspended and the TGWU complained that he had been victimised.