Adding to the turmoil, aviation workers in Europe have gone on strike in recent weeks, demanding better working conditions and higher wages to help ease the burden of runaway inflation. Paris Charles de Gaulle airport canceled more than 100 flights on Thursday after its union announced a strike to demand a monthly wage increase of 300 euros for all airport staff, about $320. More than 360 flights were canceled in and out of Italian airports last week after air traffic controllers and cabin crew staged a 24-hour strike. Scandinavian Airlines pilots have also threatened to retire from the end of June over pay disputes.
Willie Walsh, CEO of the International Air Transport Association, an airline trade group, said changes in coronavirus policy by governments created a lot of uncertainty and gave the travel industry little time to prepare for the restart of travel after a two-year closure.
“It’s not surprising that we’re seeing operational delays in some places,” 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 at the airport to check-in, as some airlines are changing flight times at the last minute to handle staffing issues. Download your carrier’s app for the most up-to-date changes and easier rebooking from your phone.
At many European airports, travel experts advise passengers to arrive three to four hours before their scheduled flights to beat the long lines. For those traveling from the United States to Europe, try to take the most direct route to your destination and make sure there are multiple flights scheduled to your final destination in case you are transiting through a busy airport and miss your connection.
Staff shortages at airports have also led to baggage delivery delays, with some passengers waiting up to a week to retrieve their luggage. Some travel operators advise travelers not to check luggage, but if traveling light isn’t an option, be sure to pack a carry-on of essentials for the first few days of your trip.
Earlier this month, Esra Topaz, 22, a fine arts student, flew from Paris to London on a British Airways flight that was delayed by more than five hours; his checked luggage never arrived. After spending three days chasing the airline, his bag was finally delivered to his house, reeking of cheese and other perishables he had brought back from his trip.
Source: www.nytimes.com