Aviation Recruitment Network’s Kully Sandhu has highlighted the vital role of frontline aviation staff in supporting passengers following widespread disruption caused by an air traffic control issue.
More than 330,000 passengers have been impacted by cancellations and delays following the air traffic control disruption, with the effects expected to continue as airlines and airports work to bring operations back in line.
Speaking to LBC News, Kully Sandhu, Managing Director of Aviation Recruitment Network, part of Pertemps Network Group, explained that while contingency plans are in place, the nature of aviation means that additional staff cannot simply be brought in at short notice to deal with a sudden increase in demand.
Airport roles often require security clearance, airport passes and specialist training, meaning businesses have to rely heavily on the experienced teams already working within their operations.
Kully said: “Anyone working within the aviation industry, especially frontline passenger and service agents, are expected to stay behind and help out passengers as much as they can.”
He also praised the wider aviation workforce for the support they provide during periods of disruption, with airport teams, airlines, ground handling companies and support services working together to assist affected passengers.
The impact of a major disruption can continue long after the original technical issue has been resolved, with aircraft and crew potentially left out of position and staff required to adjust shifts or return to work to help manage the knock-on effects.
While additional personnel can be difficult to deploy into secure airport environments immediately, Kully explained that senior managers and experienced staff across airports, airlines and ground handling companies can play an important role in supporting frontline teams.
He added that, despite the challenges, aviation businesses would be doing everything they could to accommodate passengers and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
The comments come as the aviation industry continues to manage the knock-on effects of the air traffic control disruption, with airlines, airports and their support partners working collectively to minimise further disruption for passengers.
Listen to the full segment from LBC News below.
