Just when we thought the worst of the pandemic was behind us, news out of London for travellers is grim.

In mid-July Heathrow airport introduced a cap of 100,000 daily departing passengers – a decision that meant airlines were asked to stop selling summer tickets. It was a measure (known as a ‘capacity cap’) anticipated to stay in place for two months, until 11 September.

Related story: What to do if your flight is cancelled, according to an airline worker

Cue scenes of travel chaos with enormous lines of travellers waiting to check in or proceed through security, not to mention a severe lack of baggage handlers and ground staff. 

And it’s the shortage of baggage handlers that seems to suggest the limits on passengers and travel disruptions may extend well beyond September. 

Related story: Spain set to ask tourists to prove they can spend €100 per day

Over the past two years, the number of baggage handlers has dropped dramatically as airlines cut costs during the pandemic.

A press release from Heathrow said that the lack of handler resources has been flagged as a concern for the past nine months, and that despite 1,300 people being hired since January, airline baggage handlers still only have 70 per cent of pre-Covid resources available. 

“Airline ground handler performance has been much more stable since the cap came into effect, and we have seen a marked improvement in punctuality and baggage performance,” said an airport statement, “[However] the cap will remain in place until airlines increase their ground handler resource.” 

According to chief executive officer John Holland-Kaye it’s not going to be a quick fix. “It’s absolutely possible that we could have another summer with a cap still in place,” he said. “It’s going to take 12 to 18 months, and not just at Heathrow.”

While Holland-Kaye noted that there was a silver lining for airlines (fewer seats means an increase in what they can charge for fares), it’s not great news for the rest of us who were finally hoping for a British break. 

Perhaps this means it’s a good time to explore our own backyard after all, you can find us here.

Related story: Why you shouldn’t book a hotel room above the 4th floor, and other surprising travel advice