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Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Kate Lally & Alex Grove

Jet2 speaks out on UK airport chaos and says staff shortages are not to blame

Jet2 has issued a defiant message to its customers as UK airports continue to struggle with demand. There have been chaotic scenes in airports such as Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) and other major hubs across the country, with big queues, delays and in some cases, cancellations.

Demand is surging with people able to travel abroad again after the Covid-19 pandemic and it is thought many passengers are making the most of vouchers given during lockdown. Staff shortages seem to be the main reason behind the issues, but Jet2 says none of its cancellations are down to staff shortages.

This week, Jet2 has sent out an email to customers urging them to make the most of a "last chance" bargain on flights. The airline has expanded its operation and is offering more summer and winter flights, with Jet2 keen to capitalise on the demand.

Read more: Jet2 sends urgent 'last chance' warning to all customers as 2022 set to be busiest summer in years

And in a defiant statement, a spokesman for Jet2 told the Liverpool Echo that feedback from customers remains "positive" thanks to the "tireless" work of its staff. It also said its recruitment strategy was made very early on to ensure there were no staff shortages.

The spokesman said: "We have not made any cancellations due to staff shortages and we are continuing to receive positive feedback from happy customers and independent travel agents thanks to our dedicated teams who are continuing to work tirelessly to provide the best customer service in the industry.

"We took action to recruit well ahead of the bounce back and as such we have a very visible uniformed presence (referred to as the Red Team) in our UK airports as well as in our main overseas airports and in resorts. This team are on hand, making an enormous difference in terms of assisting and guiding our customers through their journey with us.”

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