NEWS
Airports ‘well set’ for half-term but delays in summer expected
Ian Taylor
Aviation sources expect the half-term and Jubilee bank holidays to pass with limited delays at airports but forecast a “narrative of disruption” in the media. One source noted “Dover
is already warning of delays and Eurostar has had one- and-a-half-hour queues at St Pancras this week” and warned: “There will be photos of queues at airports and a narrative of disruption.” But the source insisted: “A lot of
STORY TOP
Ola Hansson identified ground handling as “the number-one problem” at airports last week, but suggested passengers are adding to the problems at check-in by not having documents ready. Hansson said: “More than two-thirds upload documents at the airport, and it takes time.” The source agreed,
saying: “Check-in is taking longer because of document checking. Countries are
removing restrictions, but a lot
retain requirements. “Passengers need to think what
travellers will be pleasantly surprised. Airports are in a relatively good place. “There will be challenges. The
ground handlers are still the big worry, particularly at check-in. But we’re seeing security staff recruits come through.” Lufthansa chief operating officer
travelweekly.co.uk
they can do to be ready for check-in.” The source suggested delays at
UK arrival halls next week should be manageable, but warned delays are likely this summer, saying: “Border Force is always a worry. But this holiday is short and Border Force plans to have extra staff on. We hope it
ensures service over the week. It will be more stretched in the summer.” A senior airline source agreed,
noting: “The pressures are still there, but there is progressive improvement. “There are regular meetings of the
resilience group across government and industry and a lot of work is being done on the ground. “Delays are more likely in the
summer than next week. “The alleviation of measures
overseas is taking some of the pressure off, although there is still a degree of manual document checking. For the majority of people most of the time travel is back to something close to normal. But that is no guarantee. No one can predict what will happen on the day.” Belgium lifted its last remaining
Covid restrictions on Monday, dropping passenger locator forms and Covid tests, and Spain confirmed an
easing of entry rules at the weekend to allow unvaccinated adults entry with a negative test. Certificates are still required for those vaccinated. Barbados announced vaccinated
travellers no longer need a negative Covid test to enter from May 25, and Morocco removed its requirement for vaccinated visitors to take a PCR test before arrival last week. Arrivals still need to show proof of vaccination. Israel also removed all remaining
Covid entry rules including tests on arrival from May 21, so travellers no longer require proof of vaccination or a negative test result. Japan announced an easing of
Covid requirements, including for UK travellers, from June 1, removing airport tests and quarantine. However, a negative pre-departure test is still required, and the country has retained
a cap on international arrivals. i Airports face ‘big challenge’, back page
26 MAY 2022 5
PICTURE: Shutterstock/CatwalkPhotos
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