Stansted Airport said some passengers are arriving five hours before their flights, apparently fearing long lines amid the summer travel chaos.
It’s causing overcrowding, the airport told the BBC Thursday, and has prompted its COO to urge passengers not to turn up so early.
“Three hours before the flight is our advice and that’s what we’re encouraging people to do,” COO Nick Millar told the BBC. “What we can do is reassure the traveling public that when they arrive at that time, they will go through our processes and get to their gate and get on the plane without concerns.”
Airports have been criticized by airlines and aviation unions for failing to adequately prepare for a summer ramp-up in travel. Thousands of aviation workers were laid off during the pandemic, resulting in ongoing staff shortages that are causing delays, cancellations, and issues with baggage-handling.
msterdam Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest, has introduced a four-hour rule, urging passengers not to arrive earlier than four hours before their flight after experiencing queues of 90 minutes or longer at check-in.