EasyJetand Jet2 the popular low-cost airlines have issued statements in the UK to inform customers about delays and disruptions that will likely affect them today and tomorrow due to the strike of border control workers.
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National strike
The Public and Commercial Services union in the UK which has more than 100,000 members has gone on strike today and it will continue until tomorrow early in the morning, Mirror reports.
The union includes also border control workers who work in the immigration halls across UK airports and ports.
The strikes are about long-running disputes concerning salaries, jobs, and conditions and besides today and tomorrow, strikes have been planned to take place also on February 13 to 17.
As a result of the strikes, travelers entering or exiting the UK might face long queues at airports.
Passengers flying with Jet2 and easyJet this week have been issued warnings as Border Force workers go on strike https://t.co/Lz80lfU9tT
— Mirror Travel (@MirrorTravel) February 1, 2023
The UK Government has issued a statement about the strikes:
‘The proposed strike action will impact international arrivals at all UK air and maritime ports as well as those travelling to the UK from UK border controls in Calais, Dunkirk and Coquelles in Northern France.’
Taking little longer
Jet2 and Easyjet have issued statements to prepare their customers for possible disruptions at immigration halls across UK airports.
They say that 'things may take a little longer than usual' when arriving back in the UKhttps://t.co/fKgnfDF5n1
— Chronicle Travel (@ChronicleTravel) January 31, 2023
According to a Jet2 spokesmandespite the strikes and possible longer waiting time, all flights are confirmed to go ahead.
‘We just wanted to remind you that there are planned Border Force strikes taking place from Wednesday 1st February until Thursday 2nd February 2023 at 07:00 . All our flights are planned to operate as normal.’
In a statement, EasyJet apologized to customers and proposed some solutions, Liverpool Echo reports.
‘Although this situation is outside of our control we would like to apologise to any affected passengers for the inconvenience caused.’
An EasyJet spokesperson has recommended that travelers use the eGates in airports to avoid long waiting times.
‘If you’re usually able to travel with either an ID or a passport, we’d recommend that you bring your passport as these can be used at any airport with eGates in place and will help to speed up your journey.’
eGates enable one to complete passport control through specially designed gate machines where one can scan their passports instead of showing it to an official of the border control.
Additionally, the airline warned customers to prepare for long queues, arrive at the airport with fully charged phones, and pack essential medication.
Nevertheless, Mirror reports that the impact appears to be minimal, the Heathrow airport in London recorded minor queues in its immigration halls this morning.
Sources used:
-Mirror: ‘Jet2 and easyJet issue warning for all UK customers travelling by air this week’
-LiverpoolEcho: ‘EasyJet's warning to passengers as 'delays and disruption' expected
