Baggage handler says that UK airport chaos won’t disappear anytime soon

An industry insider has given insight into why the UK’s biggest airports such as Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Gatwick have been overwhelmed in recent weeks

A baggage handler has explained why he believes the chaos at UK airports will not be getting better anytime soon.

The airport worker, who has remained anonymous, coordinates the movement of bags from check-in points to the aircraft at one of the UK’s major travel hubs.

As anyone who has been to an airport during the madness this week knows – or who has previously been separated from their holiday possessions – this is a key role.

The baggage handler explained how many of his colleagues left the profession during the pandemic, and were unlikely to come back anytime soon.

Low pay, long hours and shifts ending late at night or on weekends make the positions particularly unattractive, especially in periods of low-unemployment where jobs are easier to come by.

Low levels of staffing at airports are a key part of why the industry is struggling to keep planes and queues moving.

“The problem is that during furlough some were asked to take on paid leave, maybe be laid off temporarily, ‘yeah we’re going to put you on hold, when everything comes back to normal you’ll be the first person to be employed,” he told BBC’s PM.

“That went on. And people have financial commitments, so they moved on. I know one (baggage handler) who has ended up being a fireman.

“Another colleague, he is running his own restaurant. Some decided to go back to their country, some are working as plumbers and electricians.

“I can tell you, about three days ago one of those people was travelling through the airport and he was saying it’s the best decision of his life.”

The employee went on to explain how tough life working in an airport can be.

“People who work at airports in the aviation industry, it’s a different ball game to the outside world,” he said.

“They’re micromanaged, it’s a commando situation. People in that industry often feel like they’re stuck.

“This pandemic opened up some other avenues, for them to try something.”

The baggage handler criticised the airline industry for not being “fully prepared” and anticipating the spike in demand following the lockdowns.

Travel experts have warned that the issues currently plaguing the industry are unlikely to go away anytime soon.

Airlines for Europe, Europe’s largest airline association, expects the problems impacting airports and airlines in the UK and Europe to persist “for a good chunk of the summer season” the Financial Times reports.

The group, whose members include easyJet, British Airways owner IAG and Ryanair, blamed a series of factors for the chaos.

These include staff shortages, higher than normal sickness rates and long waits for new staff to pass background checks.

It is predicted that the Bank Holiday weekend will see the chaos reach new levels as half term travellers try to get back into the country.