Staff at Aberdeen International Airport face abuse as airlines ground flights

By Michelle Henderson

July 2 2022, 1:30 pm

British Airways' only route from Aberdeen is to London Heathrow. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson.

Staff at Aberdeen International Airport have been subject to abuse as airlines ground flights amidst operational challenges.

Passengers departing from the north-east airport have faced a morning of disruption after several flights were cancelled.

Flights bound for Malaga, Amsterdam and London Heathrow were axed by airlines on Saturday leaving holidaymakers stranded.

British Airways were the first to cancel their 7.30am service to London Heathrow.

Officials blamed ongoing “industry challenges” for the cancellation.

Officials from Aberdeen International Airport were subject to abuse this morning as airlines cancelled flights to Malaga, London Heathrow and Amsterdam.

Alternative flights and modes of transport are now being offered to affected passengers.

They apologised for the inconvenience.

In a statement, a BA spokeswoman said: “We’ve apologised to our customers whose flights have been cancelled due to the continuing industry challenges we are facing and have offered them a seat on an alternative flight at the earliest opportunity.

“Customers are also being offered the option to travel with other carriers, use alternative modes of ground transport or accept a full refund. We are extremely sorry for the frustration and inconvenience caused.”

Ryanair also cancelled their flight from Aberdeen to Malaga this morning.

Customers travelling overseas were also bearing the brunt of the disruption.

KLM announced this morning that their 9.15am flight from Aberdeen to Amsterdam was cancelled.

Meanwhile, passengers travelling to Malaga were left disappointed after Ryanair pulled the plug on their 10.40am flight.

Both KLM and Ryanair have been approached for comment.

‘One case of verbal abuse is one too many’

Aberdeen International Airport bosses said staff were going “above and beyond” to help support affected customers.

However, officials admitted some staff had endured abuse following the announcements.

They said such behaviour would not be tolerated.

A spokesman for Aberdeen International Airport said: “The cancellation of flights is under the remit of airlines and our Aberdeen international airport staff are going above and beyond to provide clarity and information to passengers as soon as we get it.

“What we don’t accept is the abuse our staff have received by some members of the public for trying to help. One case of verbal abuse is one too many.”