We know the general causes of the chaos – namely staff shortages caused by mass redundancies in the pandemic and Covid cases, plus a huge post-pandemic surge in demand for plane travel – but why are things so much worse in the UK, specifically?
Why is there so much chaos at UK airports?
Europe’s airport chaos began when the aviation industry was put under stress by the sheer number of passengers returning to travel once COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Strikes over working conditions have made the situation even more complicated.
What is causing the problems at UK airports?
Fitch Ratings-London-13 July 2022: UK airports are more affected than European peers by air travel disruptions this summer, many of which are caused by staff shortages, industrial action and higher-than-expected passenger traffic, Fitch Ratings says.
What is causing UK travel chaos?
Delayed passport issuing
Adding to the red-tape chaos, the UK is experiencing a delay in passports being issued. Again, a lack of staff post-Brexit and delays caused by lockdowns have slowed the usual process, and that’s hampered by a surge in applications as travel has ramped up for the summer season.
What is causing the chaos at airports?
The main driver of the chaos at airports so far is a labour shortage across the sector, itself the result of short-term profiteering. Companies made staff redundant during the pandemic or attacked terms and conditions, leading to an exodus of workers and difficulties in recruiting.
Why are airports such a mess right now?
Everyone knows air travel is a mess right now. Mostly, that’s because the industry is dealing with the same problem that the rest of the economy is facing: a staffing shortage prompted by a tight labor market and a quick rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic. But there’s more to the story.
Why are so many UK flights being Cancelled?
Why are there so many cancellations? Staff shortages appear to be the main culprit. This is because lots of airlines cut staff numbers during the height of the Covid pandemic, when people were unable to travel. Now, they have been struggling to recruit enough staff to cope with renewed demand.
Why are airports so chaotic right now?
“It all stems from the height of the pandemic, when companies — both airlines, airports, and their subcontractors — laid off or furloughed a lot of employees,” Slotnick said on Yahoo Finance Live (video above).
HOW LONG WILL airport chaos last?
12 to 18 months
Air travel chaos and disruptions around the world could last until the end of 2023, says CEO of London’s Heathrow Airport. Heathrow Airport’s CEO told Bloomberg the current travel chaos could last until the end of 2023. He said it may take 12 to 18 months to resolve the flood of delays and cancellations, per Bloomberg.
Why are there queues in UK airports?
09 May 2022. Brexit, staff shortages and COVID-19 are all being cited as reasons for queues at UK airports – but what’s really to blame?
How Long Will UK airport chaos last?
A senior executive at Heathrow warned on Thursday that these issues, which have forced the London hub to cap its passenger numbers this summer at 100,000 a day, could continue into 2023 unless issues including recruitment of baggage handlers and security staff are resolved.
Is Brexit to blame for airport chaos?
The boss of Ryanair has warned the era of ultra-low airfares is over and said Brexit is partly to blame for a shortage of airport workers that has created chaos during the peak holiday period.
What airports are having problems UK?
Top 10 worst airports for cancellations – June, 2022
| Airport | Cancelled departures | % of cancellations on services |
|---|---|---|
| 1. London Gatwick | 430 | 3.81% |
| 2. London Heathrow | 352 | 2.05% |
| 3. Manchester | 149 | 1.91% |
| 4. Bristol | 141 | 4.35% |
Why are flights so crazy right now?
With demand for travel now matching the supply of flights, airlines can charge travelers more because they’re itching to get on a plane and go somewhere. It’s really that simple. Demand is high, supply isn’t high enough, and airlines know travelers will pay more right now.
What is causing travel chaos in Europe?
Labour unrest. After sweeping job cuts and pay cuts when Covid-19 brought travel to a grinding halt, staff across the industry from pilots to baggage handlers are asking for big pay increases and better working conditions.
Which airline has the most cancellations UK?
Operating airline
| Operating airline | Cancelled departures | % of cancellations on services |
|---|---|---|
| 1. EasyJet | 742 | 4.61% |
| 2. British Airways | 295 | 2.90% |
| 3. BA Cityflyer | 134 | 6.87% |
| 4. Loganair | 111 | 2.51% |
Why are airports suffering?
Airports across the continent have been struggling to keep up with the sudden influx of passengers as more and more countries drop their Covid entry restrictions. “Traffic is much more concentrated at weekends. We are struggling with the peaks [which] are almost as high as pre-Covid,” he said.
Why are there so many delays at airports?
Well, the main reason is a lack of staff. A combination of both not having enough staff already plus shortages due to Covid is having knock-on effects for nearly every part of the aviation industry, from airports to airlines. Check-in, security and baggage reclaim are all working much slower than usual.
Why are airports so draining?
Air pressure is lower at higher altitudes, which means your body takes in less oxygen. Airlines “pressurize” the air in the cabin, but not to sea-level pressures, so there’s still less oxygen getting to your body when you fly, which can make you feel drained or even short of breath.
Are UK airports still chaotic?
You’d have thought airports and airlines might’ve been able to sort it out a bit by now, but alas, they haven’t. With thousands of cancelled and delayed flights and endless queuing for pretty much everything, the UK’s aviation sector is still a total mess.
What airline gets Cancelled the most?
American Airlines
American Airlines has canceled the most flights among major U.S. carriers with more than 19,000 cancellations, according to Reuters, followed by Southwest Airlines with more than 17,000 cancellations. Delta Air Lines had the fewest cancellations with only about 10,000 canceled flights.