The plan hopes to support the aviation industry and its passengers over the upcoming summer rush.
The UK government has announced a new plan to address travel disruption in the aviation industry. The 22-point plan aims to avoid a repeat of the problems seen across UK airports over the past few months.
In response to the severe travel disruption across the UK this year, particularly over the busy Easter period, the UK government has launched a series of measures to support the aviation industry and passengers.
The joint initiative from the Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) aims to "minimize disruption in the aviation sector and protect passengers if it does happen."
Staff shortages and rising travel demand caught many airlines and airports unaware, leading to long delays and thousands of canceled flights.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said,
"The 22 measures we’ve published today set out what we’re doing to support the industry. 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."
As laid out on the UK government website, the 22-point plan is split into three broad categories - industry support, passenger support, and recruitment and training support.
Key takeaways from the plan include:
Industry Support
Passenger Support
Recruitment and Training Support
Aviation Minister Robert Courts said,
"The action we’ve taken to support airlines and airports isn’t just about minimizing disruption this summer, but helping the sector recruit the staff it needs for the long term. I look forward to continuing to support them in this effort where we can."
In June, Simple Flying reported on UK consumer rights group Which? warning that the government's proposals on passenger compensation will weaken passenger rights.
Which? has responded to the government's new 22-point plan, reiterating its belief that the CAA should be granted the power to directly fine airlines.
Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said,
"The shameful scenes at UK airports show why passengers need their rights to be strengthened and enforced by a strong regulator and compensation regime. The government should give the CAA powers to fine airlines directly when they flout the law, and drop plans to cut passenger compensation for delayed and cancelled domestic flights."
What are your thoughts on the UK's new initiatives to tackle disruption in the aviation industry? Let us know your insights in the comments.
By - Admin
By - Admin
By - Admin