Two years after the pandemic, air traffic collapsed

Text: Cuba News 360 Newsroom

After two years with practically zero international flights, air traffic has plunged to an unprecedented level in recent days. More than 10,000 flights were delayed and 1,700 canceled at airports around the world this week, according to tracking data from the specialist site FlightAware.

According to experts, the number will double by the end of the week. Airports in the United States were the first to present problems during trips for July 4 celebrations, while Asia and Europe have since become hotbeds of delays and cancellations.

London’s Heathrow Airport apologized to passengers whose journeys were disrupted by staff shortages and warned that airlines may be asked to cut more flights from the summer schedule to ease tensions if the chaos continues.

Britain’s busiest airport, Heathrow, has experienced unacceptable service levels in recent weeks, with long queues at security, reduced traffic and delays in helping passengers with lost or delayed luggage.

The arrival of summer in the northern hemisphere and the return of travel after two years of coronavirus restrictions have flooded Europe’s airlines and airports. Baggage handlers.

Along with Heathrow, Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is also facing staff shortages at the start of the summer holidays, with queues of up to two hours to access the airport, despite airlines canceling flights to ease pressure on the airport.

In Australia, 40% of flights operated by Virgin Australia and 35% by Qantas-owned low-cost carrier Jetstar were delayed, as well as 29% by Australian flag carrier Qantas.