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Outrageous behavior!

Long queues and delays persist at Düsseldorf Airport's security checks, exacerbated by the Pentecost weekend. Airport Chief, Thomas Schnalke, has pledged to implement multiple internal strategies in anticipation of the upcoming holidays.

, and Administrator

2025 June 27 . 10:13 PM

2 min read

Outrageous behavior!

Brace yourself, folks! It looks like summer travel might not be as smooth as a tropical breeze. Airports are gearing up for potential mayhem, especially during the morning rush and evening arrivals. According to Schnalke, complaintshops about missed flights due to long queues are on the rise.

To combat these issues, the airport is exploring various options in partnership with federal police and even considering a second service provider. Schnalke emphasized the importance of alleviating the entire process chain, mentioning a catalog of measures to support relief efforts.

Firstly, service staff will be reinforced during the holiday season, with student assistants helping out during the busy six-week period. These aides will guide passengers, provide orientation, and offer information throughout the check-in process.

Secondly, ground handling partners might receive support from the airport's own teams during peak times when significant delays occur. These teams will keep passengers updated via baggage carousels and offer water during extended waits.

Thirdly, the airport is providing prognostic data to airlines for scheduling purposes, and some airlines even offer early check-ins as early as 3 am during the summer.

Now, let's take a peek at what other airports are doing to combat these issues. For example, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas is working closely with airlines and the FAA to dynamically adjust flight operations based on weather conditions. They're utilizing their heat-resistant runways, cooling terminals with chilled water piping, and even adding high-volume fans and reflective materials to reduce heat absorption. New air conditioning units are even cooling down boarding bridges and aircraft cabins during boarding.

Meanwhile, Newark Airport is temporarily capping the number of arrivals and departures to manage delays during runway upgrades. This means take-offs and landings will be reduced from 54 per hour to 28 until more certified air traffic controllers become available in late October 2025. Training and certification efforts are being escalated to increase staffing over time.

Some airports are implementing enhanced passenger processing systems and smart technology kiosks to speed up handling and reduce wait times. Restrictions and updated rules at major airports aim to streamline operations and improve border processing efficiency during peak periods.

In a nutshell, airports are taking a multi-faceted approach to managing summer travel demands. They're working on infrastructure adaptations, making real-time operational adjustments, improving staffing, and enhancing passenger services to keep long wait times and flight delays at bay, all while ensuring a comfortable passenger experience.

Travelers may find relief in the changes being implemented at various airports. For instance, some airports are increasing staff during peak seasons and offering assistance at check-in, while others are collaborating with ground handling partners to manage delays more effectively. Furthermore, these airports are employing smart technologies to speed up handling and reduce wait times, aiming to improve both the efficiency and comfort of a traveler's lifestyle.