Adding to the upheaval, aviation staff in Europe have held strikes in recent weeks, demanding higher working conditions and better salaries to assist ease the burden of soaring inflation. Paris Charles de Gaulle airport canceled greater than 100 flights on Thursday after its union announced a walkout demanding a 300-euro monthly pay raise for all airport staff, around $320. Greater than 360 flights were canceled out and in of Italian airports last week after air traffic controllers and cabin crew staged a 24-hour strike. Scandinavian Airlines pilots have also threatened to walk out starting in late June over salary disputes.
Willie Walsh, director general for the International Air Transport Association, an airline trade group, said that coronavirus policy changes by governments created a number of uncertainty and gave the travel industry little time to arrange for the restart of travel after a two-year shutdown.
“It is not any wonder that we’re seeing operational delays in some locations,” he said.
I’m already booked. What could I be facing?
Be prepared for long lines, flight cancellations and delays, even after you’ve arrived on the airport for check-in, as some airlines are changing flight schedules on the last minute to administer staffing issues. Download your carrier’s app to get probably the most up-to-the-minute changes and for easier rebooking out of your phone.
At many European airports, travel experts are advising passengers to reach three to 4 hours before their scheduled flights to get through long lines. For those traveling from the USA to Europe, attempt to take probably the most direct path to your destination and be certain there are several flights scheduled to your final destination in case you’re transiting through a busy airport and miss your connection.
The staff shortages at airports have also caused baggage delivery delays with some passengers waiting as much as every week to reclaim their luggage. Some travel operators are advising travelers not to envision baggage, but when traveling light is just not an option, then you should definitely pack a carry-on with essential items for the primary few days of your trip.
Earlier this month, Esra Topaz, 22, a tremendous arts student, flew from Paris to London on a British Airways flight that was delayed by greater than five hours; her checked luggage never arrived. After she spent three days chasing the airline, her bag was finally delivered to her house, reeking of cheese and other perishable goods she had brought back from her trip.
