Reports in Tuesday’s national press also suggest the problems could continue into the summer season with the government being criticised for its “slow” security checks for new staff at airports.
Elsewhere, confusion continues over the resumption of P&O Ferries’ services around the UK, while US airlines are pushing for rules on the mandatory wearing of masks onboard flights to come to an end.
Here are the headlines the travel industry woke up to on Tuesday (12 April).
Emergency bid to avert Easter airport chaos
Emergency plans are being drawn up to avoid airport chaos ruining the Easter holidays with fears that queues for passport control could last for hours in the coming days. Backroom staff at Heathrow are being offered bonuses to man immigration desks instead of their usual duties. (The Daily Mail)
Summer of travel chaos warning for passengers
Travellers have been warned to expect a summer of disruption at UK airports after ministers were accused of overseeing “cripplingly slow” security checks for new staff. Dozens of flights were cancelled on Monday (11 April) as staffing problems continue for airlines. (The Times)
P&O Ferries passengers ‘in limbo’ amid confusion over sailings
People hoping to travel on P&O Ferries’ Larne-Cairnryan service this week have been expressing their frustration at a lack of clarity over sailings. The ferry operator said it was running a “full normal schedule" on the route on Monday (11 April) but there was still confusion among passengers about which services were operating. (BBC News)
US airlines seek to end Covid mask mandate
US airline bosses and politicians are urging the country’s government to allow current Covid mask rules on flights to expire as scheduled next week, even though surveys show the majority of passengers continue to support the mandatory wearing of masks. (Financial Times)
More people worried about finances than catching Covid
More people in the UK are now worried about their finances than about catching Covid, according to new research. Almost four in 10 people (38%) are worried about their finances, which was up from a figure of 32% in January, while only 33% are currently concerned about catching the virus. (Sky News)
EU blacklists 21 Russian airlines over ‘serious safety concerns’
The European Union has blacklisted 21 Russian-certified airlines, including national carrier Aeroflot, over “serious safety concerns”. The move, which prohibits the airlines from entering EU airspace, comes after Russia attempted to beat EU sanctions by issuing its own local certificates of airworthiness. (CNN)
