UK Airlines and Airports Prepare for Summer Getaway

As the summer holidays approach, UK airlines and airports are gearing up to manage potential disruptions by filling staff shortages and investing in control centres.  

In the post-pandemic rush for overseas travel, the industry faced numerous challenges, including IT outages, staffing shortages in 2022, and an air traffic meltdown last summer. Despite these issues, the appetite for travel remains strong, with Stansted and Manchester airports reporting record numbers in June and Heathrow experiencing its busiest day ever on June 30th. As more flights crowd into the airspace and airlines push for swift turnarounds, the potential for delays and cancellations increases. 

Extreme weather has been a significant headache for the travel industry, disrupting flights and causing late bookings. The extreme heat in southern Europe has not deterred bookings despite disruptions from summer storms, which increased delays by almost 48% in 2023 compared to 2022, according to Eurocontrol. British Airways recently had to cancel flights due to storms, and air traffic control issues, including a fault in the UK's system last August, have added to the challenges. 

In addition, the global IT outage grounded thousands of flights, and the reasons behind it remain unclear. The airline industry has been severely impacted, with numerous flights grounded and operations disrupted worldwide.   

Staff shortages were a major issue in 2022, but extensive recruitment has helped fill the gaps. Airports like Heathrow and Manchester have improved their operations, with Manchester Airport reporting 97% of passengers through security in less than 15 minutes last month. While strikes have also been a concern, recent disputes have been resolved, and disruptions have been minimal. 

Despite concerns, the industry is optimistic about the summer. Investments in control centres by airlines like easyJet and BA aim to provide quicker responses to disruptions. Automation and AI are used to manage crew and plane availability more efficiently. 

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said, "The summer season has got off to a positive start, and despite recent adverse weather and air traffic control challenges, airlines are looking forward to another busy summer. The best practice would be to purchase travel insurance. 

Despite the ongoing problems, Brookfield is pleased to witness the proactive measures taken by UK airlines and airports to prepare for the summer travel season. By addressing staff shortages, investing in control centres, and utilising advanced technologies, the industry is set to enhance passenger experiences and operational efficiency.  

We fully support these efforts, recognising the importance of adaptability and innovation in meeting the rising demand for travel while ensuring smooth and reliable operations. As a company committed to supporting robust infrastructure and sustainable growth, we are optimistic about the positive impact these preparations will have on the aviation sector.