British Airways and Air France-KLM have seen significant increases in summer bookings despite high prices and the cost-of-living crisis, Reuters reported. However, International Airlines Group warns that passengers must prepare for delays again during the high season. All because of the announced strikes and still unfilled staff shortages.
Last year’s tourist season was marked by delays, huge check-in queues and thousands of canceled flights across Europe. The airline industry underestimated the post-pandemic recovery in demand for travel and overestimated its ability to handle the first season in two years without significant pandemic restrictions.
During the pandemic, with the decrease in the number of flights, employment was reduced, especially among ground staff. As demand for flying returned to pre-pandemic levels, airports found themselves understaffed to handle passengers.
Concerns about the return of chaos at airports
It is the repetition of this scenario that European airlines and airports fear. International Airlines Group CEO Luis Gallego has said he is particularly concerned about capacity at London Heathrow this season.
He is also concerned about the possibility of further strikes by French air traffic controllers in connection with the reform of the pension system. He points out that the protests could almost completely paralyze the operations of some airlines.
– For example, 80 percent of Vueling’s flights (a carrier belonging to the IAG group – ed.) take place over French airspace – he lists.
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