Airport assures fliers in light of chaos elsewhere
BOSSES at East Midlands Airport have assured passengers of smooth travel in the coming weeks despite chaotic scenes at other airports amid Government claims of poor planning by some sections of the holiday industry.
This week EMA estimates it has had 170,000 passengers, most of whom have gone on half-term foreign breaks.
It accepts there have been isolated incidents of disruption, but nothing like the scenes at other airports including Gatwick and Manchester, where Tui Airways is cancelling around six flights every day until the end of June as airlines tackle shortages of key staff.
Passengers at Heathrow, Gatwick and Bristol have also reported long delays. Earlier this week Transport Secretary Grant Shapps described scenes at airports with lengthy queues and flight cancellations as “heartbreaking” as some holidaymakers had hoped to take their first trips abroad after the pandemic.
More than 150 UK flights were cancelled on Wednesday – the eve of the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend. On Wednesday, Mr Shapps and aviation minister Robert Courts led what the Department for Transport described as a “productive meeting” with senior leaders from the aviation industry including airports, airlines and ground handling companies.
Mr Shapps, who has accused airlines of overbooking flights, emphasised to them his concerns that passengers were being unfairly sold tickets for holidays they cannot go on, and said he will continue to discuss options for introducing automatic refunds for passengers.
Following the meeting, Mr Shapps warned there cannot be a repeat of such disruption over the summer.
He said: “We’re grateful to those airlines and operators who have continued to deliver good services despite the current pressures and we recognise that not all operators have been affected in the same way.
“I also understand the resourcing strains on the aviation sector but it does not excuse poor planning and overbooking flights that they cannot service. The companies who have seen the most disruption need to learn from those who ran services smoothly.”
On Tuesday Easyjet cancelled at least 31 flights at Gatwick. British Airways is continuing to cancel dozens of flights each day, although the airline said passengers are being told several days in advance.
An EMA spokesperson said: “The pandemic, from which the entire aviation sector is still recovering, was the biggest ever shock to international travel. The challenges it currently faces as passenger demand grows following two years of significant disruption is a global issue, and not unique to the UK.
“As each day passes, East Midlands Airport feels more like it should at this time of year. Re-wind 12 months, and the contrast could not be greater. Today we’re seeing 14,000 daily passengers. Throughout this half-term week, we anticipate that 170,000 passengers will travel through EMA, most of whom are flying to popular holiday destinations across Europe.
“While there have been isolated incidents of disruption, we don’t envisage there being significant issues in the coming days. As the core summer months approach, passenger numbers will increase.
“Together, with our airline partners, plans are in place to ensure we respond to this extra demand. Thanks to the team’s hard work, the progress we’ve made with recruitment and the flexibility of colleagues to cover busy shifts, our passengers are getting through security without delay.”
The spokesperson encouraged passengers to do their bit to help themselves by turning up when their airline asks them to, understanding bag packing requiremetns before going through security, and making sure they have the necessary documentation or evidence of tests/vaccines if required
The aviation industry is suffering from staff shortages after thousands were let go during the pandemic.