Passengers travelling through UK airports have been warned to expect longer queues during peak periods over the next few weeks in the run-up to Easter.
The Airport Operators Association (AOA) said that while its members were increasing staffing levels “as quickly as possible”, the airports were facing a “very tight labour market”, alongside continued Covid-related staff absences.
The association also pointed to the necessity for new and returning employees to go through government security checks as another potential strain on airports’ operations.
AOA chief executive Karen Dee said: “Now UK travel restrictions have been removed, airports cannot wait to see passengers return in volume.
“Airports have been preparing for this for some time, but at peak times passengers may not have the experience they are used to.
“Airports are working hard to recruit more staff in a very competitive labour market and are working with the UK government to resolve any delays in the necessary checks before staff can start work.”
AOA is advising passengers to allow longer for check-in when travelling in the coming weeks. It added that the UK Border Force was also “facing similar issues as airport operators”.