Much of my constituency casework at the moment centres around travel plans, be it waiting for a passport to arrive or signposting those who want to complain about cancelled flights to the correct place.
Currently, HM Passport Office is advising anyone applying for a passport should expect to wait for up to ten weeks before it is returned. Many passports are returned far more quickly than this, but if additional checks need to be made, or if the paperwork is not quite correct, delays can occur. Anyone applying for a passport is clearly advised not to book travel until the passport has been received.
Unfortunately, even once a holiday maker has all the correct paperwork, too many have recently had to contend with flight cancellations, with airlines and airports struggling to recruit staff post-pandemic. Although the majority of UK flights continue to be on time and without disruption. However, some passengers have faced significant disruption, which has also occurred in the aviation sector across Europe and globally.
The Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, has now set out a 22-point plan to support the aviation industry recruit and train staff, ensure the delivery of a realistic summer schedule, and support passengers when delays and cancellations are unavoidable. You can read the full measures here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-government-action-to-minimise-disruption-in-the-aviation-sector-and-protect-passengers
If you’re heading off abroad on holiday this summer I hope your travel goes smoothly, and you can make the most of a long-awaited break.