Airport staff are reportedly being drafted in to help with baggage handling at Gatwick in an effort to avoid a repeat of last weekend’s chaotic delays.
As many as 45 Gatwick employees are being deployed as the airport admitted that baggage handling firm Swissport had “failed to meet” required service levels.
Swissport said it was “disappointed” that it failed to achieve its expected standards of service delivery during the peak period last weekend.
“We will do everything possible to ensure the travelling public are not inconvenienced and we remain committed to work with our partner airlines and London Gatwick airport to provide a quality service,” the company said.
But a Gatwick spokesman said: “We want to provide a great experience and we are disappointed that recent baggage issues have affected too many passengers.
“We have established service standards for our own staff, as well as for ground handling agents, who supply services to airlines such as unloading baggage from aircraft and delivering them to the baggage hall.
“Recently, Swissport has failed to meet these standards. Although bags are being delivered on time for 95% of flights, this is not good enough.
“This has been frustrating for passengers and we are disappointed with the recent arrival baggage service.
“Swissport has committed to getting this right, and we are working closely with them to help. Gatwick is providing additional staff.
“Although we are not permitted to unload the aircraft, we are assisting with transport of bags to the terminal and the unloading of bags onto belts. We’ve also introduced a free baggage home delivery service for those who prefer not to wait.
“We are committed to providing an excellent service every day and will continue work with our handlers and airlines to deliver the high standards of service we expect.”
Swissport, which has 1,500 employees at Gatwick, said it had taken steps to boost the number of staff available to cover any “off schedule” arrivals by increasing its ramp teams by more than 40 staff.
“The summer peak season continues to put pressure on all baggage handling companies,” the company said.