Speaking to Sky News on National Travel Agent Day on Friday (22 July), Thornton was quizzed on the issues faced by airports and airlines as the summer getaway got under way.

“Travel demand has returned and it’s outpaced the ability of the sector to be able to respond quickly enough,” he said. “That’s especially affected both the airlines and the airports.

“The challenge for the travel industry is millions of jobs were lost globally – the core problem is a people one, or should I say a lack of people.

“It has been exacerbated by Covid-related absenteeism and so the airlines and airports are now having to react very quickly by recruiting as many people as they can to be able to offset the demand that is coming through and affecting airports all over Europe at the moment.”

Thornton stressed the importance of booking with a travel professional to help deal with any potential disruption to travel plans.

“Perhaps the most important thing is that when you are planning your future travel trips, make sure you do try and book with a travel agent or tour operator or other travel professional who can help you navigate your travel experience,” he added.

Thornton said 95% of travellers were getting away and having a “seamless travel experience”, despite the negative headlines in consumer media.

“I just travelled through Europe myself and have been very fortunate to not be impacted by some of the queues and delays,” he added.