FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) – Shortly before the start of the summer travel wave, representatives of airports and the travel industry are confident that flight chaos like last year will not be repeated. According to the airport association ADV, among other things, processes at airports have been improved and employees recruited. The current travel season will be much better, but managing the peak times will be challenging depending on the airport and process center, expects ADV general manager Ralph Beisel.
From his point of view, the largely problem-free course of the Easter holidays was only a first test. “The full efficiency of the processes only becomes apparent in the summer months, when terminals, aprons and also the airspace controlled by air traffic control are permanently exposed to maximum loads,” said Beisel. The airport association expects almost 42 million passengers for July and August – an increase of around 16.4 percent compared to the same period last year.
According to the Federal Association of Aviation Security Companies, waiting times will not be entirely avoidable. Overall, however, the situation at the airport checkpoints has improved significantly. Time slots for security checks can now be booked at some airports. A new technology (CT scanner) detects solid and liquid explosives. Liquids and electronic devices no longer have to be taken out of hand luggage if the new technology is in use.
According to the President of the German Travel Association DRV, Norbert Fiebig, the individual players have “already set a lot in motion to ensure smooth air traffic during the main holiday season”. So he is quite optimistic. In particular, staff shortages at airlines and airports caused chaotic conditions with long waiting times for check-in and problems with luggage last summer.
The operator of Frankfurt Airport, Fraport, said the situation remained challenging. “But we are cautiously optimistic for the coming summer months, together with our partners, to ensure stable operations in FRA with the usual waiting times during the holiday season.” Fraport is implementing a large number of measures and has hired new staff. Last year, 2,500 new employees were hired in ground handling, which also includes supplying aircraft with fuel and catering. For this year, around 850 more should follow in the first half of the year./mar/DP/stk
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