Demand for flights soars as Scots make the most of post-pandemic Easter break
Scots took to roads, rail and the air yesterday as the first post-pandemic Easter rush got under way.
At Glasgow Airport, passengers discovered there were no working cash machines in operation as the firm that operated the service went into liquidation during lockdown.
The issue extended to foreign exchange services, although an airport spokesman said a new cash operator will soon be appointed.
There was no sign of the travel woes which have beset airports in England, where large queues have built up at security and Border Force stations.
Glasgow Airport said it was expecting between 15,000 and 20,000 passengers through the doors this weekend, the busiest since before the pandemic.
The airport had issued advice to passengers to allow enough time for check-in and ensure they were prepared for the security area.
Barrhead Travel said many holidaymakers were proving adventurous in their choice of destination, with Dubai, Florida and Barbados high on passengers’ favoured departure boards this weekend.
The firm said people are making the most of being able to travel again, with many booking multiple trips at once until as far in advance as 2024.
The company’s president Jacqueline Dobson said she expected this summer to see tourism levels return to “almost normality” as many people holiday for the first time in over two years.
She added: “Demand levels are soaring – we’ve particularly noticed a spike in holiday inquiries over the last few weeksasrestrictionscontinue to relax across the world.
“With no travel restrictions left in the UK and many other countries following suit, people are feeling much more confident about travelling over the coming months. "Unsurprisingly, summer is set to be our
busiest with school summer holiday dates proving to be the most popular departures for new bookings.
“The fact that we are seeing demand begin to outstrip 2019 levels really highlights how quickly confidence has returned to the market. Holidays are extremely important to people this year: many people haven’t been able to enjoy quality time with loved ones
for two or three years, so trips away will be very special.”
Yesterday, the A90 was shut in both directions for several hours north of Crimond in Aberdeenshire following a crash.
An accident caused delays on thekessockbridgeininverness and another collision added to tailbacksonthem8onthekingston Bridge in Glasgow.
Unfavourable tidal conditions
cancelled a number of Cal Mac sailings on the west coast, between Claonig/tarbert and Lochranza and urgent ship repairs restricted the Gourock to Dunoon service to a single vessel.
Scotrail is providing extra seats between Edinburgh and Glasgow today to accommodate 50,000 Hearts and Hibs fans attending the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden.
The Met Office said cloud should break in many parts this afternoon to allow sunny spells before a weak weather front moves into the west later on.
Easter Sunday should remain dry for most and brightest in the south and east. There’s the chance of rain in the north and west.