Comment: New hurdles can present new opportunities

Agents and operators with customers flying overseas will have breathed a sigh of relief last weekend as the Easter getaway from airports got off to a smooth start.

But those reliant on ferry travel from Dover will have been dismayed by the lengthy hold-ups affecting customers – as well as a return of the 'travel chaos' headlines which were prevalent this time last year.

The port was unlucky to face adverse weather conditions at the start of the weekend, but border control hold-ups facing coach groups in particular are an issue the trade will be desperate to see swiftly resolved this weekend.

Despite significant improvements in airport resourcing and operations since last year, there is certainly no sign of complacency in the sector with strenuous efforts to avoid a repeat of the delays last spring and summer.

But as we report in this week's magazine, airlines are cautious about issues in Europe this summer – including ongoing air traffic control (ATC) strikes and restricted airspace due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

With industrial action in the sector not isolated to ATC operators, only the most blinkered optimist would assume overseas travel will be completely smooth sailing in the coming months.

But while that may cause some trepidation among passengers, it also offers the trade another opportunity to show its value.

As the Civil Aviation Authority reiterated this week as it released March Atol renewal figures, the importance of booking a protected holiday through a trusted professional is greater than ever.