Airport pledges security investment after chaotic weekend

Monday 25 October 2021

Airport bosses have reassured that a “programme of investment” into new security lanes and technology is on it sway in the next 18 months, after thousands of passengers caught up in lengthy queues over the weekend.

The start of half-term weekend saw nearly 5,000 passengers departing on Saturday and Sunday – some of which found themselves waiting in queues for more than an hour before security, risking missing their flights.

Addressing the frustrations, Airport Director Robin MacRae said in a statement that “all available staff” were called in, but acknowledged that, despite this, service was still “not as we want to deliver”.

He said that passenger numbers had grown past “our highest projections” more quickly than expected post-pandemic, adding: “As our extended summer season comes to a close, we are now 70% of the way back to the same time in 2019, way ahead of the UK who are at 45%. Saturday saw passenger numbers at 90% of the Saturday beginning October half term in 2019, and Sunday exceeded the same day in 2019.”

While Mr MacRae said it was “good news for Jersey”, he noted that it “brings significant challenges for Ports of Jersey in re-establishing previous operational levels at speed.”

However, he pledged that improvements were on their way over the course of the next year-and-a-half.

“…We have a planned programme of investment in our airport security infrastructure, as technology in this area advances, and will be looking to introduce new security lanes for exceptionally busy periods,” he said.

In the meantime, he thanked staff for working “tirelessly” and travellers for their patience, going on to advise: “Islanders and visitors can help by arriving at the Airport in plenty of time, as a speedy transit through security is not always guaranteed. We also ask all passengers to have their boarding cards ready, where possible. 

“For returning passengers, please ensure to complete the mandatory pre-arrival travel form, found on gov.je, as not doing so will significantly delay the time that it takes you and other passengers to clear testing and exit departures. Thank you.”

Jersey's airport is one of a number of areas across the island struggling with staffing. Click HERE to read Express's special report on the island's emerging recruitment crisis.

Pictured top: Queues at the Airport on Saturday.