Airline Official Explains Recent Travel Chaos at Airports

Officials from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said the recent travel chaos at airports around the world as summer travel begins was a result of temporary delays in getting clearances for new staff and pilot shortages.

According to Reuters.com, IATA director general Willie Walsh said that the normal time period to get security badges for newly hired staff was around three-to-four weeks, but the process was now taking up to three months in some areas, including the United Kingdom.

“The problem is, you can’t start the training until you’ve got the security clearance,” Walsh said. “You offer them a job, they accept it, and then you have to go through this period of three months to get security clearance – they’re not going to hang around. They’ll go and find a job somewhere else.”

While easing of travel restrictions and a boom in demand have helped the aviation industry bounce back, Walsh also warned of potential long- and short-term issues related to growing pilot shortages in the United States.

Concerns have also been voiced on the impact rising inflation and lower disposable incomes would have on future travel spending, but Walsh said traffic was moving towards reaching 2019 levels in 2023, rather than 2024 as previously forecast.

As for the rising cost of fuel, Walsh said he expects prices to “narrow to more normal levels,” but did admit the additional costs would likely be passed onto travelers through rising ticket prices.