Airports must be better prepared for a busy summer as the public will not be as forgiving as last year, Steve Heapy has warned.
The chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays urged airports to “be ready” for summer by looking ahead to airlines’ schedules and recruiting staff to avoid the lengthy delays seen in 2022.
“[Airports] know that this summer is going to be a big one,” Heapy told a Travel Weekly webcast. “They know when volumes increase and they can see what flights the airlines have scheduled.
More: Airports chief warns of ‘more disruption and volatility’
“And they have to be ready. I don’t think the public will accept any excuses this year.”
He went on to say the delay in the installation of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) until November would reduce disruption, but potential strikes could also contribute towards travel challenges this summer.
He said: “The European entry system has been delayed which is good, that would have caused big disruption, but, of course, we’ve got the possibility of air traffic control strikes.
“But I’m hoping it’s going to be a strong year. Yes, it is tough in terms of the economy, but we’re very resilient and customers want to get away.”