British Airways passengers will no longer be able to recline their seats on short-haul flights, as the airline seeks to tackle so-called "legroom wars".

The national flag-carrier is to emulate budget airlines later this year with a fleet of 35 planes that do not have reclining seats in economy class.

Passengers travelling as far as North Africa may have to sit upright for the duration of their journey, as it is understood the new planes will be used for flights of up to four hours.

The change could see an end to “legroom wars” in which rows can be sparked by an inconsiderate lurch backwards from the passenger in front.

The seats will be set at an angle described by the airline as a “gentle recline”, so it will not be possible to encroach upon the legroom of the passenger behind.