Grant Shapps’ 22-point plan for tackling aviation chaos is ‘disappointing’ says travel group

A 22-point plan by Grant Shapps to tackle air travel chaos is “disappointing” and short-sighted, a senior industry figure said on Thursday after deepening disruption at Heathrow.

The measures were announced by the transport secretary hours after Britain’s busiest airport announced yet more last-minute cancellations, while thousands more bags went undelivered to passengers because of a lack of staff.

“The 22 measures we’ve published today set out what we’re doing to support the industry.,” Mr Shapps said.

“While it’s never going to be possible to avoid every single delay or cancellation, we’ve been working closely with airports and airlines to make sure they are running realistic schedules.

“It’s now on airports and airlines to commit to running the flights they’ve promised or cancel them with plenty of time to spare so we can avoid the kind of scenes we saw at Easter and half term.”

The plan comprises comprise initiatives that have previously been announced, including adjusting security rules to reduce the time taken to get new staff on board.

Mr Shapps said: “With 100 days having passed since we set out that restrictions would be eased, there’s simply no excuse for widespread disruption.

“Holidaymakers deserve certainty ahead of their first summer getaways free of travel restrictions.”

But Clive Wratten, chief executive of the Business Travel Association, said the plan was too short term.

“The focus on the summer and leisure travel is disappointing.” he said.

“There needs to be a longer-term strategy to overcome the current disruptions facing both the business and leisure travellers. t is imperative that people travelling for work can have confidence in their arrangements in order to boost our international trading status.”

He added, however: “The initiatives for driving talent into our industry are particularly to be applauded.”

Richard Moriarty, chief executive of the Civil Aviation Authority, said: “These actions will help the sector to be more resilient in dealing with strong consumer demand. We will work alongside government and the wider industry to help deliver a better experience for passengers.”

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, the industry body representing UK-registered carriers, said: “The whole sector is working closely with ministers and the CAA to build greater resilience into operations this summer.

“Aviation is a complex international eco-system with many moving parts but we are all working collectively to ensure the summer peak runs smoothly and passengers are able to get away. We will do everything we can to ensure this summer is a success.”

The government statement accompanying the plan refutes assertions by the chief executives of easyJet and Ryanair that Brexit is partly responsible for staff shortages across the travel industry. It says: “Ministers have been clear that reaching for the lever marked ‘more immigration’ is not an obvious solution to the problem.

“Disruption is happening across the EU and in the USA due to staff shortages.”

The news came after Heathrow airport ordered 30 morning flights to be cut, citing a 13 per cent leap in passenger numbers compared with last Thursday.