Passengers travelling through UK airports have been warned to expect longer queues during peak periods over the next few weeks in the run-up to Easter.
The Airport Operators Association (AOA) said that while its members were increasing staffing levels ¡°as quickly as possible¡±, the airports were facing a ¡°very tight labour market¡±, alongside continued Covid-related staff absences.
The association also pointed to the necessity for new and returning employees to go through government security checks as another potential strain on airports¡¯ operations.
AOA chief executive Karen Dee?said: ¡°Now UK travel restrictions have been removed, airports cannot wait to see passengers return in volume.?
¡°Airports have been preparing for this for some time, but at peak times passengers may not have the experience they are used to.?
¡°Airports are working hard to recruit more staff in a very competitive labour market and are working with the UK government to resolve any delays in the necessary checks before staff can start work.¡±
AOA is advising passengers to allow longer for check-in when travelling in the coming weeks. It added that the UK Border Force was also ¡°facing similar issues as airport operators¡±.