European airport forced to introduce ‘passenger support zones’ after flight cancellations – and issues new travel advice
A EUROPEAN airport is going the extra mile for passengers copping delays and cancellations by setting up support zones with food and water.
Travellers are filling up airports across the continent for summer, making passenger setbacks expected.
In response, Hungary‘s Budapest Airport has set up zones for those affected with sandwiches, water and even baby food and wipes.
Dubbed the BUD:carezone, passengers will be informed about whether they can use the service on a public announcement – either by the airline or airport staff.
The new support system is a joint effort from the airport and Hungary’s Ministry for National Economy.
It will include providing comfortable chairs, recliners, phone chargers and unlimited Wi-Fi.
The support site will also have a QR code which travellers can scan for updated information about their flights or cancellations.
Budapest Airport chief executive Francois Berisot said the airport aimed to go above and beyond with passenger support.
According to Daily News Hungary, he said: “As an airport operator, our priority is to provide passengers with high quality services, even beyond our scope of responsibility.
“Now, when many people have to wait at the airport due to flight delays, we have responded as quickly as possible by setting up support points.”
The aviation boss said he was buoyed by government support.
He added: “We welcome the fact that the Ministry for National Economy is also treating the problem as a priority issue, and as the owners of Budapest Airport we were able to act together quickly and effectively to remedy the situation.”
The airport advises passengers to arrive two-and-a-half hours before departure and keep a close eye on any updates from the airline and airport staff.
It’s warned that setbacks will be common until the end of summer season on September 30.
This is because flights take more rounds and are therefore more likely to accumulate delays.
Major storms can also threaten plane punctuality.
Budapest’s new efforts to support customers facing horror waits comes as UK airports are hit with security delays.
Long lines snaking into the car park have been seen at Birmingham Airport due to last-minute government changes over liquid rules, leading to passenger confusion.
In June, a power cut caused cancellations and delays at Manchester Airport and led to chaos among travellers looking for luggage.
A heap of holidaymakers heading through Heathrow Airport were last week struck by a technical fault, delaying many British Airways flights.