London, June 17 (BNA) Britain’s Gatwick Airport has reduced the number of daily flights during the summer due to staff shortages as the global airline industry struggles to meet the growing demand for travel.
London’s second-busiest airport said on Friday it would limit its daily flights to 825 in July and 850 in August, compared with 900 daily flights reported during the same period before the coronavirus pandemic.
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The airport said in a statement that the move would help passengers “experience a better and more reliable level of service,” according to the Associated Press.
“By taking decisive action now, we aim to help ground handling workers – as well as our airlines – better match their flight programs with their available resources,” said Stuart Wingate, Gatwick’s CEO.
Passengers have suffered delays and cancellations as airports across Europe struggle to deal with staff shortages and soaring demand for flights two years into the pandemic. Airlines and baggage handlers that have laid off staff during the pandemic are increasing numbers again.
Travelers in Britain suffered days of delays at airports during the Easter school holiday in April, and Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee holiday this month, as British Airways and easyJet canceled hundreds of flights. Hours long queues at British airport check-in, security and baggage points.
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has also cut its July flight schedule, saying a shortage of security staff means it can’t handle high demand as many families take to the skies for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic subsided.
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