BA owner says recovery of business travel will drive return to profit

More trips by wealthy passengers as Covid controls eased also improved demand for IAG in first quarter

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British Airways' owner has said a recovery in business travel and trips by wealthy passengers will drive a return to profitability this year.

International Airlines Group (IAG), which also owns Iberia and Aer Lingus, said that while Omicron had a short-term impact on bookings in January and February, the easing of coronavirus-related travel restrictions had improved travel demand in the first quarter, particularly in the UK.