Friday 10 June 2022 07:55 AM Airports crisis: More summer holiday hell as unions plot strikes across Europe trends now
British holidaymakers heading abroad were hit by further long queues at UK airports today as others were warned strike action across Europe threatens to wreak further havoc on summer getaways.
As queues built up at Bristol Airport again pre-4am this morning, unions representing Ryanair crew in Spain said they had 'no option' but to call for a walk-out after the carrier abandoned pay talks.
The move raises the prospect of more misery for travellers, many of whom are still stuck at holiday destinations after their flights home were cancelled following half-term flight chaos.
An estimated 10,000 passengers were grounded yesterday as easyJet pulled another 60 flights.
The boss of Heathrow has already warned of up to 18 months of disruption as the aviation industry struggles to recruit and train staff to replace those let go during the pandemic.
BRISTOL AIRPORT: Holidaymakers and commuters flying from Bristol once again encounter lengthy queues pre-4am today
BRISTOL AIRPORT: Huge queues at Bristol Airport this morning again as people arrive before 4am for their flights
BRISTOL AIRPORT: Air passengers flying from Bristol Airport this morning once again encounter lengthy queues pre-4am
Yesterday consumer groups responded by calling for tougher action against airlines that fail to switch passengers to another carrier.
Rory Boland of Which? Travel said it was totally unacceptable that easyJet customers had seen their holiday plans thrown into chaos at the last minute.
He added: 'The cavalier approach some airlines are currently taking toward their customers is a reminder of why passenger rights must be strengthened.'
Mr Boland said the Civil Aviation Authority should be given direct fining powers to hold airlines to account when they flout the law.
One father told yesterday how his child had to urinate in a plastic bag as his family endured a two-hour security queue at Manchester Airport ahead of a flight to Berlin.
In Italy, crews from Ryanair and easyJet walked off the job on Wednesday, while workers at France's Charles de Gaulle airport went on strike yesterday for more pay, with a quarter of flights cancelled.
In Spain two unions representing Ryanair cabin crew yesterday threatened to cause disruption this summer after Europe's biggest budget airline walked away from pay talks.
They have previously warned of co-ordinated action with colleagues in Italy, France, Portugal and Belgium.
BA travellers face more disruption because the GMB union is balloting Heathrow check-in staff and ground handlers over pay.
