London— In 2022, many Americans who traveled to Europe for their summer vacations encountered travel chaos that disrupted their plans. Strikes, staff shortages, and canceled flights plagued the first summer travel season after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns had halted tourism.
This year, both Americans and Europeans are still eager to explore the world. Data from online travel agency Hopper shows that demand for international trips is already surpassing the levels seen in the summer of 2022. Despite the rising cost of airfares, Europe remains the top destination for American vacationers.
The staff shortages that remained after the mass layoffs and career changes resulting from the pandemic, combined with the rebound in travel demand, led to long waits at security checkpoints last year. With gaps in staffing and inexperienced new hires, many major airports struggled to handle the surge in travelers after COVID restrictions were lifted.
However, Virginia Lee, Senior Vice President of Communications for the European division of Airports Council International (ACI), has stated that these staffing issues have mostly been resolved, and travelers should feel confident when flying.
“Airports have made significant efforts to enhance employment packages and improve working conditions, making them more attractive places to work,” Lee said.
But staffing concerns are not the only issue. There are warnings that American travelers in Europe this summer may face similar challenges as last year. Eurocontrol, the agency responsible for managing airspace and flight traffic control, has reported a 20% reduction in available civilian flight space due to the conflict in Ukraine and the increased number of military flights in Europe.
The Times newspaper in Britain has highlighted Marseille, Athens, and Budapest as areas that may experience significant air traffic congestion on most days. Other European travel hubs, including London, Barcelona, and Brussels, could also face major congestion on peak travel days such as Fridays and weekends.
In addition, there is a potential for industrial action by air traffic controllers, security workers, baggage handlers, and other essential staff, particularly in France and Britain. Both countries have recently experienced strikes that have caused disruptions at key entry points and travel hubs for American travelers.
Aviation consultant John Strickland explains that while strikes are unlikely to directly impact flights from the U.S., they could cause delays or cancellations for travelers within Europe, especially those flying from the U.K. to destinations like Spain, Portugal, or Italy.
In such situations, Strickland advises travelers to stay informed and aware, as strike action and other factors can sometimes lead to unpredictable travel disruptions.
Similar to the supply chain issues affecting U.S. airlines, Europe could also face challenges due to delays in aircraft deliveries and a lack of spare parts for repairs. However, European airports are confident that the chaos witnessed in the summer of 2022 will not be repeated this year.
According to Eurocontrol data, travel between Europe and North America has already returned to pre-pandemic levels, with around 1,500 daily flights crossing the Atlantic. Claire Irvin, travel coverage lead for The Times and The Sunday Times, notes that this surge in demand is expected as people seek to fulfill their travel dreams post-lockdown. Multi-generational trips are also on the rise.
Irvin also highlights an increasing trend of travelers seeking the assistance of travel agents and tour operators, who can provide extra support and reassurance in case of unexpected disruptions. This may be a reflection of heightened caution following the chaotic experiences of the previous summer.
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