Airlines are forced to resort to “creative solutions” and emergency measures to cope with staff shortages, as well as a sharp rise in fuel costs. In particular, the leading British airline TUI Airways, part of the tourist holding TUI, urged tourists to take on board certain flights of biscuits. Moreover, buying water with you is quite problematic, as carrying liquids in excess of 100 ml is prohibited. In an unusual situation, experts blame the staff shortage.
According to the TUI, the acute shortage of staff from a contractor-hired food supplier means that it cannot physically service the airline’s short- and medium-haul flights.
Now the carrier’s representatives have addressed the tourists and stated that they will not be fed or taken on board. Therefore, passengers should take care of their own food and bring dry rations and soft drinks.
“We can confirm that, unfortunately, due to a lack of staff from our catering provider, food and beverage services may be limited on TUI Airways short and medium haul flights in the coming days. Therefore, customers can bring food and soft drinks on board, alcohol is prohibited. According to the security rules at the airport, any soft drinks over 100 ml will need to be purchased after passing the security check. Rest assured, we are constantly monitoring the situation and working closely with our suppliers to limit the impact on our customer service on board. We are in direct contact with all affected customers. We are very sorry for the inconvenience, “said a company spokesman.
In the UK alone, British Airways and EasyJet have canceled hundreds of flights in recent weeks for failing to recruit enough staff to operate their full scheduled flights.
It will be recalled that the British low-cost carrier EasyJet has already taken a desperate step, announcing the withdrawal from sale of a full range of seats on all flights, which is performed by a fleet of 92 Airbus A319 aircraft. Thus, the carrier has achieved a reduction in passenger capacity, because to service a full aircraft during the flight, you need four flight attendants. By reducing the number of seats on board, only three employees are needed on each flight.