British Airways has said it had to cancel almost all flights as a result of a pilots' 48-hour strike over pay.

In a statement issued on Monday, the airline said it had 'no way of predicting how many (pilots) would come to work or which aircraft they are qualified to fly.'

As a result, it said it had 'no option but to cancel nearly 100%' of its flights.

The airline said it stands ready to return to talks with pilots' union BALPA and that it is offering affected customers full refunds or the option to rebook their tickets.

The union is accusing British Airways of making massive profits at the expense of workers who made sacrifices during hard times. A further strike is penciled in for September 27.