Roberta Aguirre
Airports are busy for a variety of reasons, including increased demand for travel, staffing shortages, and construction projects. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced air travel, but as restrictions have eased, demand has surged. This, coupled with staff cutbacks across the industry, has resulted in long lines and delays. Additionally, some airports are undergoing construction, causing further crowding as passengers arrive earlier to navigate rerouted gates and limited parking. High jet fuel prices and increased airfares have not deterred travellers, indicating a strong desire to vacation after years of lockdowns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Demand | Higher due to lifted travel restrictions, low coronavirus numbers, and high gasoline prices. |
| Staffing | Shortages of various types of staff, including check-in staff, baggage handlers, security, immigration, flight crew, and cabin crew. |
| Delays and cancellations | Caused by technical issues, low staffing, bad weather, and other factors. |
| Passenger volume | Higher during weekends and holidays, especially Friday evenings and Sunday mornings. |
| Airport management | Desperate to claw back lost money, so retail is pushed, and passengers are kept in departures until the last minute. |
| Other factors | Strikes, unprepared passengers, and COVID-related fears and restrictions. |
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What You'll Learn
Staff shortages
The impact of staff shortages is evident in check-in areas, where a lack of sufficient check-in staff, particularly those with experience, contributes to long lines. This issue is further exacerbated by passengers travelling with luggage and children, which slows down the check-in process. Similarly, security checkpoints face similar challenges due to a shortage of staff, leading to crowded areas and frustrated passengers.
Baggage handling has also been affected by staff shortages, resulting in a backlog of unclaimed baggage and delays in returning luggage to passengers. This issue is not limited to a single airport but is prevalent across various locations, including London Gatwick Airport (LGW). The situation is further complicated by train strikes, adding to the overall travel chaos.
The aviation industry is facing challenges in recruiting and retaining staff, which is contributing to the staffing shortages. The "Great Resignation" and COVID-19 have influenced the availability of pilots, flight crews, air traffic controllers, and supply chain personnel. Additionally, factors such as pilot retirements and lingering COVID-19 fears impact the availability of qualified personnel.
The staff shortages in airports have far-reaching consequences, including flight cancellations and delays. When an issue arises, such as a technical problem or unexpected weather conditions, the lack of backup staff or flight crews can result in a cascade of cancellations and disruptions. This creates a ripple effect, impacting multiple flights and connections, and further contributing to the congestion and frustration experienced by passengers in airports.
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High demand for travel
The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns that followed led to a massive reduction in air travel. As a result, many people were unable to travel for long periods, and the aviation industry suffered financially. Now, with travel restrictions lifted and a decline in coronavirus cases, there is a surge in demand for travel. This demand is further fuelled by the post-pandemic desire to travel and explore, resulting in a sharp increase in air travel.
The high demand for travel is evident, with airports bustling and travellers eager to explore again. This surge in travellers has resulted in crowded airports, long queues, and increased flight prices. The demand is so high that even with higher-than-inflation flight prices, airports are expected to remain packed. The desire to make up for lost time and the urge to travel internationally again have contributed to this high demand for air travel.
Additionally, the increase in demand for travel is not limited to aviation. The rise in gasoline prices has made long-distance road trips less appealing, leading more people to opt for air travel instead. This shift in preference has further contributed to the high demand for air travel, adding to the crowds at airports.
The high demand for travel has also been influenced by the time of year. Summer is a popular travel season, with more people taking vacations and travelling with luggage. This seasonal increase in travel contributes to the overall high demand and further overcrowds airports.
Furthermore, the demand for travel is not evenly distributed throughout the week. Weekends and holidays are typically busier and more expensive for air travel. Fridays and Sundays tend to be crowded as leisure travellers extend their vacations, and business travellers aim to get a head start on the upcoming week. Mid-week travel, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is often less busy due to fewer passengers. However, this varies across airports, and researching the specific airport can be beneficial.
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Construction projects
Airport construction projects are a significant reason why airports are so busy. These construction projects aim to expand and modernise airport facilities to accommodate growing passenger numbers and improve overall travel experiences.
In 2022, 71 airport construction projects were initiated worldwide, with a combined investment of almost $50 billion. This trend continued in 2024, with the Americas leading the way, followed by Asia, contributing to a total of $21.99 billion in airport construction projects.
These projects often involve the expansion and construction of new terminals, increasing airport capacity. For example, the Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Vietnam is undergoing an expansion to increase its annual capacity from 28 million passengers in 2016. Similarly, the third busiest airport in Taiwan is building two new terminals to enhance its capacity.
Other notable construction projects include the modernisation of the Viracopos/Campinas International Airport in Brazil, which includes the construction of a new passenger terminal to handle 25 million passengers annually. Airports in the United States, such as Sacramento International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, are also undergoing significant upgrades to improve passenger experience, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
These construction projects are essential to support the growing aviation industry and enhance the competitiveness of cities and regions. However, executing these projects while maintaining a positive customer experience during peak travel times can be challenging. To overcome this, construction companies adopt strategic approaches, such as working during off-peak hours and using temporary walls and concealment techniques to minimise disruption to travellers.
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Delayed or cancelled flights
Several factors contribute to flight delays and cancellations. One significant reason is the surge in travel demand following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. The increase in passenger numbers, often during peak travel seasons like summer or spring break, overwhelms airports and airlines, leading to operational challenges. Additionally, staffing shortages across various airport departments, including pilots, flight crews, ground staff, and support personnel, hinder the smooth functioning of airport operations. This lean system leaves little room for error, and any technical issues, mechanical problems, or unexpected events can trigger a cascade of delays and cancellations.
Bad weather conditions can also play a role in disrupting flight schedules. Unfavourable weather may cause delays or cancellations due to safety concerns and operational challenges. Furthermore, issues with aircraft maintenance, cabin cleaning, baggage handling, and fueling can lead to controllable delays or cancellations, as defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation. In such cases, airlines are required to adhere to their customer service plans and provide amenities or compensation to affected passengers.
The impact of the "Great Resignation" and industry-wide staffing cutbacks cannot be overstated. The aviation industry has faced challenges in retaining and recruiting sufficient personnel, leading to a lean operating model. This situation leaves airports and airlines vulnerable to disruptions, as there is little buffer to accommodate unexpected events or peak travel periods. As a result, passengers experience longer wait times, delayed flights, and crowded terminals.
To avoid the chaos of delayed or cancelled flights, passengers are advised to stay updated on flight status, arrive at the airport early, and be prepared for security and passport control to ensure a smooth individual process. Additionally, passengers should be aware of their rights and entitlements in the event of delays or cancellations, including the option to accept alternative arrangements, obtain refunds, or seek compensation for expenses incurred due to flight disruptions.
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Unpreparedness for high demand
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns significantly impacted the aviation industry. With travel restrictions in place and a fear of contracting the virus, people refrained from flying. This resulted in a substantial decrease in revenue for airlines and airports. As a consequence of the reduced income, airports and airlines were forced to let go of staff.
However, with the easing of restrictions and the rollout of vaccines, people's appetite to travel again has resulted in a surge in demand for air travel. This sudden increase in demand has caught airports and airlines unprepared, leading to busy airports.
The high demand for travel, coupled with staff shortages, has resulted in long queues and delays. Airports are struggling to manage the increased passenger volume with limited staff. Check-in, security, and baggage handling processes are particularly affected, creating bottlenecks and contributing to the overall busyness of the airport.
Additionally, the industry is facing challenges with staff inexperience and a lack of backup crews. This leads to a cascade of issues, including flight delays and cancellations, further adding to the congestion at airports. The situation is further exacerbated by passengers who are unprepared for security and passport control, causing delays in processing and contributing to the overall busyness of the airport environment.
The post-pandemic travel boom has resulted in crowded airports, and passengers have expressed frustration with the overall experience. The industry is struggling to keep up with the surge in demand, and passengers are facing the consequences in the form of long wait times and crowded spaces.
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Frequently asked questions
The demand for travel has increased as travel restrictions have been lifted and COVID-19 cases have dipped. Airlines and airports are unprepared for this surge in traffic, resulting in long lines and delays.
Staff shortages, flight cancellations, and construction projects can lead to crowded airports. When an airline cancels a flight, it causes a backlog of passengers awaiting rebooking. Delayed flights also contribute to crowds as people remain in the departures area longer than usual.
Higher demand for air travel, coupled with limited capacity, has led to higher airfares. Airports are desperate to recoup losses from the pandemic, so retail is heavily pushed, and passengers are kept in departures to encourage spending.
