TUI has issued advice to holidaymakers flying this summer following recent flight delays.
The aviation industry is suffering major disruption as a surge in demand for travel coincides with staff shortages across roles such as airline crew, ground handlers, airport security staff and air traffic controllers.
In recent weeks, some TUI flights have been severely delayed following 'operational' problems. On Friday, June 24, one TUI Airways service from Norwich to Majorca was delayed for 42 hours.
READ MORE: Ryanair and easyJet warning for holidaymakers travelling to Spain
Responding to the delays, TUI apologised to affected customers, but warned holidaymakers flying this summer not to arrive at the airport too far in advance.
In a statement, TUI said: "We would like to apologise to some of our customers who have experienced flight delays in recent days.
"As the UK’s biggest holiday company, our priority is to take customers on holiday safely. We continue to work closely with our airport partners to monitor the situation and continue to provide the best possible holiday experience for our customers.
"We are doing everything we can to limit any flight delays, which can happen from time to time for various operational reasons. On the rare occasion flight delays do take place, we will do everything we can to support our customers, through direct communications and providing overnight accommodation and transfers where needed, as well as meals and refreshments."
They continued and issued some advice to people heading abroad: "We’d like to remind customers not to arrive at the airport too far in advance of their flight, as this can contribute to terminal queueing delays. Standard check-in opens at least two and a half hours before departure time for short and mid-haul flights, and at least three and a half hours before departure for long-haul flights.
"At some airports, we are able to offer day before bag drop and self-service bag drop."
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