Domestic flight cancellations are a “major issue” for Scottish agents, the president of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association has warned.
Mike Tibbert said 20%-30% of services were being affected by either delays or cancellations, with domestic flights being hit the hardest.
He said agents were taking the brunt of the upset from affected customers, some of whom are missing their connecting flights because of the ongoing aviation disruption.
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Airport disruption expected to continue through summer
Tibbert said: “The major issue we are facing is the cancellation of domestic routes that are intended for connecting flights.
“Domestic connections are some of the first lot of flights airlines are cancelling, which is a real problem for passengers who are travelling to connect to a long-haul flight.
“It makes it very difficult for agents to find alternative flights as there aren’t any seats available.”
Tibbert said airlines cancelling flights at the last-minute had left agents “scrambling” to try to find alternative domestic flights that operate in time to connect with a customer’s long-haul flight.
“Certain airlines have cancelled in advance, which is fine. If we have enough warning it gives agents the chance to find an alternative,” he said.
“Others are cancelling at the very last minute which, granted, isn’t always the airline’s fault as staff might call in sick or just not show up on the day, but it’s where the problems lie as agents are forced to begin scrambling around for alternatives.
“We are the middlemen, so we are totally reliant on the airlines. Agents have been left on hold for four and five hours trying to amend a booking after a domestic flight has been cancelled without much warning.”
Tibbert’s thoughts were echoed by Business Travel Association chief executive Clive Wratten, who shared his frustration at the “lack of action” around “vital” domestic connectivity.
He said: “[Domestic connectivity] is vital to getting British businesses back trading at pre-pandemic levels once again. More can and should be done quickly.”
More: Analysis: Will we see an end to summer flight disruption?