British Airways has reached a deal to temporarily suspend more than 30,000 of its cabin crew and ground staff.

Axar.az reports citing foreign media.

The airline, which has grounded most of its fleet due to the coronavirus, has been locked in talks with unions for more than a week.

But on Thursday, BA boss Alex Cruz told staff that a large majority of employees would be suspended for the next two months.

He said the government's job retention scheme would fund 80% of their wages.

Explaining the decision, Mr Cruz said: "We need to act now to protect jobs and ensure that BA comes out the other side of this crisis in the best possible shape."

The decision will affect all staff at Gatwick and London City Airport after the airline suspended its operations at both locations until the crisis is over.

"The number of colleagues who will be furloughed reflects the significant drop in flying," Mr Cruz said.