Easter holiday warning as Covid issues ravage airlines

Airlines have warned Victorians to prepare for lengthy delays ahead of the Easter holiday with staff shortages causing havoc at airports.

Victorians are being warned of potential Easter holiday chaos. Picture: David Geraghty

Victorians are being warned of potential Easter holiday chaos with ongoing airline staff shortages due to Covid set to impact domestic and international travellers.

Airlines and the Melbourne Airport have flagged that due to baggage handlers, security staff and airline staff needing to isolate there were workforce shortages, which is causing long wait times at security and at baggage collection.

It comes as on Monday, disgruntled passengers were waiting for their baggage after arriving from an international flight from LA via Sydney.

Some passengers were advised to wait at home for updates while others were stranded at the terminal awaiting updates.

“Like many other industries around the country, aviation is continuing to be affected by the impact of Covid isolation requirements, which has coincided with the ramp up in demand for domestic and international travel,” a Qantas spokesperson said.

“While the majority of our customers who travelled to Melbourne today received their baggage in a timely manner, unfortunately some customers experienced delays in receiving their bags,” the spokesperson said.

Qantas has been impacted by staff shortages. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Qantas has since released a statement apologising to passengers.

Melbourne Airport understands that the longest wait for bags was 45 minutes.

“We have additional employees stepping in to help where possible and we thank our customers for their patience and understanding during this time,”

The delay was caused by a mix of staff stuck in Covid isolation and an increase of international and domestic travel.

A Melbourne Airport spokesperson said “due to a small number of late arrival flights today it meant baggage handling resources were stretched” across Melbourne Airport.

“Everyone at Melbourne Airport is working hard to get people where they need to be as quickly as possible.

“The Covid 19 pandemic decimated the aviation industry and as we emerge, many airport operators, including our ground handlers, are rebuilding their workforces,” the spokesperson said.