Why are flights and holidays from Bristol Airport being cancelled? Reasons behind cancellations explained

As the summer months draw nearer, so do holidays abroad for hundreds and thousands of Brits across the UK.

Whether it be a city break or a sun-baked trip full of beaches and relaxation, people are desperate for some much needed time away to recharge their batteries.

Especially as a result of the recent Covid-19 pandemic, which locked everyone in their homes and drastically limited travel over the course of the last two years - a scorching hot trip away is just what people need at the moment.

A major roadblock to these plans is disruption to flights, leading to hundreds of flights being cancelled throughout the UK.

But what is the situation at Bristol Airport?

Are flights being cancelled at Bristol Airport?

Bristol Airport has been on the brunt of all types of disruption over the course of the last few weeks.

From being accused of ‘over capacity’ to being compared to a ‘zoo’ by angry passengers, the airport has seen an array of flight cancellations.

Since Monday 6 June, over 120 different flights have been cancelled to or from Bristol Airport.

What airlines have been affected?

A number of different airlines have issued flight cancellations from Bristol Airport recently.

The majority lies with low-cost airline easyJet, though the number of cancellations is dramatically reducing recently.

Jet2 is also experiencing some issues at the moment.

Others such as TUI and RyanAir have also cancelled flights over the course of the last few weeks too.

But what is the reason behind this? Here is everything you need to know.

Why are flights being cancelled?

According to flight officials across the country, a large majority of easyJet cancellations that have hit Bristol Airport are due to ‘software errors’.

A spokesperson from the budget airline said: “While we expect to operate most of our remaining flying programme some may still be subject to some disruption”.

“We advise customers due to travel with us to continue to check Flight Tracker for the status of their flight before making their way to the airport.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and customers can apply for compensation in line with regulations.”

Problems with its fellow airline TUI - which is also seeing an increase in flight disruption not only in Bristol but across the country - have been described as ‘due to staff shortages’ due to varying contributive factors.

Whether it be staff testing positive for Covid-19 or the amount of workers sacked during the pandemic catching up with the airline.

Dominic Raab, the Deputy Prime Minister, has previously blamed airlines for their lack of preparedness for the busy summer months as the reason behind flight cancellations.

“There’s clearly been a lack of preparation for that surge back of demand of holidaymakers,” he told Sky.

"Grant Shapps has been talking to the industry for months now, saying ‘This will come and that you need to make sure you’ve got your recruitment in place’."

Mr Shapps - the UK’s Secretary for Transport - once criticised airlines for ‘seriously overselling flights’.