People flying from Scotland this summer are being urged to stop abusing airport staff.
The call follows multiple reports of passengers being rude and insulting to aviation industry workers.
MSPs and industry bosses who sit on the Scottish parliament’s cross party group on aviation insisted passengers are not suffering the problems that are being experienced elsewhere.
Co-convenors MSPs Graham Simpson and Paul McLennan said after a meeting of members this week that while Scotland’s airports are facing challenges they have been clear there is no need to turn up early because that only adds to queues.
“We’ve also heard that passengers have been abusing staff and that is completely unacceptable and it just adds to the pressure they are under,” they added.
“Staffing levels are recovering. Scottish airports are faring better than those elsewhere.”
More: Domestic cancellations ‘major issue’, according to SPAA
Travel agents ‘worth their weight in gold’ amid airport disruption
A joint statement from AGS Airports, owner of Aberdeen and Glasgow airports, along with Edinburgh airport, said: “Aviation is facing a global challenge as the industry experiences tremendous demand just a few months after the lifting of restrictions. While this has resulted in some issues, Scotland’s airports are performing well in comparison to others.
“We know that some of our partners are facing difficulties in recruiting staff which has been a source of understandable frustration for some passengers.
“Unfortunately that is resulting in a rise in the number of incidents of abusive and disruptive behaviour towards staff. We cannot accept that as staff are working incredibly hard to get passengers to where they want to be and we thank the vast majority of passengers who have worked with us to ensure a smooth journey through our airports.
“As a facilitator industry we know the importance of aviation to Scotland’s economy and are confident in our ability to positively contribute. We know passengers are looking forward to those long awaited holidays and to be reunited with family and friends.
“We will continue to provide information and advice to them as we work to meet any challenges that may present themselves. We would also remind those travelling to arrive at the airport at the correct time, ensure they are organised for check-in and security and be patient and kind towards our staff who are working incredibly hard to make sure they continue to key on their flights.”
Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association president Mike Tibbert said: “There are myriad reasons for optimism and partners, such as airlines and airports, have been working tirelessly to mitigate disruption to ensure travellers can enjoy a seamless travel experience this summer.
“Travel is largely operating as normal and Scotland is leading the way in successfully managing a busy summer season thanks to efforts by all areas of the travel industry.
“Our travel agent members are intrinsic to the success of Scotland’s travel infrastructure, fuelling confidence in the travelling public whether they’re travelling for leisure, corporate or visiting family.
“We look forward to contributing towards the CPG report and looking ahead to a reconnected Scotland with a thriving outbound tourism industry.”
Airlines UK said: “Airlines are once again flying millions of customers and the vast majority of flights – some 97% in June – departed the Scotland and UK as scheduled.
“The whole Scottish aviation eco-system is focussed on building resilience into the system to deliver a safe and reliable service for our customers this summer, and we are seeing consistent improvements in performance as we get the sector back to normality, following the unprecedented impact of the pandemic and travel restrictions over the last two years.”