Staff shortages bring threat of flight delays

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DELAYS and cancellations faced by Islanders and tourists flying over the bank-holiday weekend could continue into the summer holidays unless staff shortages are resolved, industry experts have warned.

Flights from Luton, Liverpool, Manchester and London were among the Jersey services affected by a combination of ongoing travel issues in the UK – reportedly compounded by a surge in the number of people flying – and thunderstorms over the Channel Islands on Saturday evening.

Robert Mackenzie, managing director of CI Travel Group, said that airports and airlines were urgently trying to address staff shortages in the sector.

One Islander told the JEP that her flight from Glasgow was cancelled following ‘delay after delay’ – and with no flight available until Saturday she was ‘left with travelling down to England’.

‘We chose Manchester, as, with a two-year-old, a drive longer than four hours sounded horrendous and the last-minute flight costs were horribly expensive – and Manchester for some reason was actually affordable,’ she said.

‘In the end we chose the train instead of having to hire a car so we could take turns with looking after our two-year-old. It was a long journey and we checked into the nearest Premier Inn. The flight from Manchester on Monday morning was also delayed, but we landed Monday lunchtime – finally back on home soil,’ she added.

Mr Mackenzie said: ‘Obviously the overall concern is that the delays and cancellations continue through the summer due to the shortage of staff being experienced by airlines, airports and other companies [such as ground handlers].’

He added: ‘We hope it doesn’t continue and that it can be fixed before we get into the school holiday period.

‘Everybody is working as hard as possible to try to alleviate the problem.’

Julie Law, director of Travel by Design travel agents, said: ‘We are dealing with a lot of flight cancellations, delays and changes – we are going back to the tour operators, the airlines, trying to sort things out.’

She added that shortages of staff and an increase in the number of people travelling were some of the factors behind the problem.

Commenting on the upcoming summer holidays, she said: ‘As it’s getting busier it is a bit of a concern – but we are hoping airlines might recruit more staff and put on more services.’

Know your rights

Consumer Council chair Carl Walker has reminded travellers to be aware of the EU air passenger rights, which apply:

  • If the flight is within the EU and is operated either by an EU or a non-EU airline.

  • If the flight arrives in the EU from outside the EU and is operated by an EU airline.

  • If the flight departs from the EU to a non-EU country operated by an EU or a non-EU airline.

  • If the individual has not already received benefits such as compensation, re-routing or assistance from the airline, for flight-related problems for their journey under the relevant law of a non-EU country.

Compensation for a cancelled flight:

  • Under EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, passengers are entitled to either a full refund of the cost of the airline ticket within seven days, a return flight to the first point of departure or a substitute flight to their destination from a nearby airport, with the airline covering any additional travel costs. Additionally, if passengers are informed that their flight is cancelled less than 14 days from the date they’re due to fly, they may also be eligible for:

  • Two free phone calls or emails.

  • Free meals and refreshments appropriate to the delay.

  • Free hotel accommodation and hotel transfers if an overnight stay is required.

Mr Walker said: ‘Many airlines historically reject the initial claim for compensation and expenses but if you appeal and stand your ground you will usually get a successful outcome. If you are flying in the next few weeks make sure you have travel insurance and check with your insurer so that you have peace of mind and know what you are covered against.’

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