Civil Aviation Authority chief executive Richard Moriarty warned that late cancellations of notices and excessive delays “are not only frustrating for affected consumers, but could affect the level of confidence across the industry.”
In a letter to airlines, he acknowledged that many are in the process of hiring large numbers of staff, but “it’s clear that this hasn’t always happened fast enough to handle the increased passenger traffic in recent days.”
He wrote: “Given the impact of flight cancellations and disruptions on passengers, I urge you to do everything possible to ensure the required level of properly trained and vetted staff.”
Moriarty added that it is “very important” that airlines schedule “based on existing employees (including contractors) and be resilient to staff illness, including due to Covid.”
British Airways and easyJet recently canceled over 100 daily flights in total.
This is blamed on a combination of coronavirus-related staff illness and recruitment difficulties.
Mr Moriarty also wrote to airports, urging them to “work closely with airlines” to ensure “disruptions are kept to a minimum”.
He was looking for “reassurance” that passengers with reduced mobility “continue to get the help they need”.
Passengers at Manchester, Heathrow and Birmingham airports complained about long queues.
The chief of Manchester Airport, who has struggled for weeks, has admitted he is understaffed.
Charlie Cornish, Managing Director of Manchester Airports Group, said: “The simple fact is that we do not currently have the necessary staff to provide the level of service that our passengers deserve.
“Despite our efforts since last fall, the limited job market around the airport means we just haven’t been able to hire people fast enough to build a full team.
“In practice, understaffing means that we cannot open all the screening lanes we need, and sometimes this leads to longer queues than we would like to see.
“While we still expect most passengers to get through in less than 30 to 40 minutes, there will be periods over the next few months when waiting times increase to 60 to 90 minutes.”
Airport managing director Karen Smart resigned on Tuesday.
UK Transport Minister Grant Shapps said he had warned the aviation sector to be “cautious” about job cuts during the coronavirus pandemic as travel demand “will come back again and that’s what’s happening.”
Asked if the security screening of new hires could be expedited, he said: “We can’t skimp on security and passengers wouldn’t want us to.
“Verification and verification, especially for people who are in the controlled area, is absolutely essential. We have to make sure the work is done properly.
“I know the Home Office is expediting this as much as possible, but nobody wants us to cut corners when it comes to their safety.”