Island airport warns passengers to expect ‘much longer queues’ this weekend
PASSENGERS flying from an island airport have been warned to expect long queues this weekend amid the school holiday rush.
As schools break up for summer hols, Jersey Airport say travellers should expect queues at busy hours from Friday.
But the airport promises staff will be on hand to ensure people get to their flight quickly.
The 100ml limit was also recently reintroduced to the airport and has remained in place.
Passengers who need to book assisted travel were asked to contact their airline before getting to Jersey Airport.
Ports of Jersey said: “There may be queues due to the combination of the start of the school summer holidays and the temporary reintroduction of the 100ml security process.”
It comes as millions of passengers face travel chaos and “excessive queues” at major UK airports this summer.
Ryanair has warned “excessive delays” and long queues threatening to ruin your summer travel plans.
With rivals EasyJet, Jet2, TUI, and others facing similar issues, Ryanair has cautioned passengers about potential disruptions at London Stansted Airport this week and beyond.
Ryanair said: “Due to extended security queues at London Stansted Airport, we advise all passengers departing London Stansted to please arrive at the airport with extra time to allow for delays in security.
“Passengers who do not have any bags to check in should head straight to security when they arrive at the airport.
“We regret any inconvenience caused to passengers by these extended security queues, which are completely outside of Ryanair’s control.”
The budget airline’s warning comes amid ongoing chaos due to European Air Traffic Control (ATC) staff shortages.
On Monday 15 July, Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, apologised to its passengers for the excessive flight delays caused by these shortages, which are affecting all European airlines.
The low cost airline said: “ATC services continue to underperform (despite flight volumes being five per cent behind 2019 levels) with repeated ‘staff shortages’.
“On Monday 15 July, 19 per cent of Ryanair’s first wave departures (106 of 582 aircraft) were delayed due to ATC ‘staff shortages’.
“These repeated flight delays due to ATC mismanagement are unacceptable.
“We apologise to our passengers for these repeated ATC flight delays which are deeply regrettable but beyond Ryanair’s control.”
Ryanair Group carried a whopping 183.7 million passengers in 2024, up nine percent from 168.6 million the year before, and an incredible 23.6 percent above the 148.6 million passengers carried in 2020-21.
Holidaymakers face a summer of travel chaos at UK airports due to a perfect storm of staff shortages, bad weather, and delays in the delivery of new planes.
After two days of chaos at Heathrow and Gatwick, delays and cancellations continue to impact Ryanair’s flights across Europe.
Flight compensation rules
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of the “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.