Global Baggage-Handling Delays Affect Fiji Airways

Apeak in global travel compounded by other factors is causing delays in baggage clearance at destinations that Fiji Airways serves.

The sheer volume of customers passing through airports around the world has strained groundhandling services for all airlines, and guests connecting onto any Fiji Airways flights are also affected.

This worldwide crisis is further aggravated by third-party resourcing challenges and adverse weather.

The National Carrier is doing all within its power to ensure that guests receive their baggage in a timely manner, constantly communicating with a network of teams, external service providers and connecting airlines to ensure that these delays are minimised. Unfortunately, there are numerous factors contributing to bags not being delivered that is beyond the airline’s control.

In many instances, airport baggage holding rooms are beyond capacity and thousands of bags are in queue for security clearance and processing before they can be reunited with guests.

This is a time-consuming process with many airlines being affected. Mandatory baggage screening and clearance at Auckland Airport in New Zealand is taking up to seven days.

Any bag identified for secondary screening will take an additional seven days to clear.

Similar delays are being faced in Australia due to capacity issues faced by ground-handling service providers, while inclement weather in Canada is causing a backlog and compounding baggage delays. The United States is also seeing a high number of flight cancellations due to the weather and this is affecting our guests connecting from other airlines.

Customers connecting to Fiji Airways flights from these destinations can expect delays in receiving their bags and the airline is seeking the patience and understanding of guests in this matter. Fiji Airways is advising customers to carry necessary essentials, medication and spare clothing in their carry on for the time being.