In a statement criticizing Manchester Airport for delays in recruitment, inadequate passenger communication and queue management, Mayor Andy Burnham revealed measures to alleviate the ongoing crisis at the junction, which is mainly caused by staff shortages. He also warned that the “disruption” is expected to continue for “two months”. While Greater Manchester councils are majority shareholders in the Manchester Airports Group (MAG), day-to-day operations are usually outside the remit of both town halls and the mayor’s office. However, Mr Burnham said they would “work to support them in any way they can” until the pandemic issues are resolved. The mayor said this would include an increased police presence at the junction, while transport staff from the bus and tram network would be called in to help with “queue management and communication”. READ MORE: It used to be a source of pride … but now it’s over – so why is Manchester Airport in such a mess? Amid a long wait for the Home Office security approval for new iterations, the mayor said he would also write to the Secretary of Security and Borders asking if airports including Manchester could be prioritized in the process. This could mean that the 220 staff waiting to start in the center could get off the floor sooner. The plan also includes:
Increased overtime and more emergency staff More staff to “organize” passengers passing through the airport Better queue passenger information and “steps” to ensure the well-being of those who wait a long time More real-time information on security queues will be posted on the Manchester Airport website Some airlines offer luggage check-in the night before flights if they have booked early service.
In a statement following a meeting with senior management at Manchester Airport, Mr Burnham said: “Unfortunately, the disruption is not going to go away overnight and this advice should apply in the near future. While the airport is waiting “There will be some unrest for the next two months. I want to reassure people that the airport, with the support of colleagues in Greater Manchester, is taking steps to make it easier.” Mr Burnham said some of the pressure came from “Manchester Airport ‘s decision to protect people’ s vacations and travel and to avoid cancellations as other airports did”, but added: “Like everyone else, I’m worried. to see some of the scenes at Manchester Airport lately. Manchester Airport (Image: MEN) “Many passengers have had an unacceptable experience and it is important to take all possible measures to avoid a recurrence. People preparing to travel are understandably anxious and need the clearest possible advice before doing so. “All airports have struggled to one degree or another with long queues caused by pandemic staffing issues. But it is clear that Manchester has faced particular challenges. Yesterday I met with the senior management of Manchester Airport to understand better the current situation. “Some of the issues facing Manchester Airport are beyond their control. However, this does not mean that other things could not have been done differently. “First, while the airport is working hard to recruit, more should have been done sooner. Second, communication with passengers before and on arrival should be better, as should queue management. “However, it is important to recognize that part of the pressure comes from Manchester Airport’s decision to protect people’s holidays and travel and to avoid cancellations, as other airports have done.” The scene at Manchester Airport on Tuesday (Image: MEN Media) Stating that the public needs “clearer advice”, he said those traveling in the coming days should:
Arrival at the airport three hours before your flight. Check your luggage in the barn in advance, if possible. If you have to carry hand luggage, try to minimize it and make sure it is properly packed before you leave home.
Meanwhile, Manchester City Council also issued a statement outlining its plan to help the airport recover. Councilor Bev Craig, the leader of Manchester City Council, confirmed that they “support and work closely” with the bosses of the nodes. It is understood that the Human Resources department of the council has been recruited to assist with administrative duties. They also help promote and host job reports and help put pressure on the Home Office for help. As a majority shareholder in the Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Manchester City Council benefited from με 600 million in dividends from the airport for the 10 councils five years before the pandemic. However, when the pandemic led to a drop in passenger numbers and a reversal of fortune, the council made a significant contribution to a 26 260 million loan to keep the knot alive. (Image: @ 25Ianmorgan) On Wednesday, after the resignation of the airport’s managing director Karen Smart, Koon Craig said: “Like everyone else, we are concerned about some of the scenes that have been reported in the press. Manchester Airport is the gateway to our city and is the key to our recovery from the pandemic. “Because of this, we want the people of Manchester to have a positive experience at the airport. Across the UK, airports and the aviation industry have faced significant challenges and we want to ensure that Manchester’s recovery is guaranteed. We are in close contact with the management of the airport and as a board we provide support where requested, in particular by helping to speed up recruitment into some key roles. “As a shareholder we are not involved in the management of operational issues, but we have met with management and we are confident that the operational disruption is being addressed properly and that there is a short-term and long-term recruitment plan needed to support recovery in the coming months. “We have provided support where we can throughout, as the airport is such a key part of Manchester’s economy and reputation. We will continue to work closely with the management team until the current issues are resolved.” A spokesman for Manchester Airport said: “We have met with a number of stakeholders to discuss our recovery from the pandemic. This includes the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the representatives of the Manchester City Council, and we are grateful for their continued support in our response to the challenges we face. “ Read more related articles Read more related articles
