Enlarge image
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary: Known for polarizing statements
Photo:
CLODAGH KILCOYNE / REUTERS
After several days of long queues at several British airports, the head of Irish low-cost airline Ryanair has suggested letting the military help out temporarily.
Deploying the armed forces there, as is done at other airports, would take the pressure off airport security staff in one fell swoop, Michael O'Leary told ITV.
In the past few days, travelers at airports such as Manchester or London-Gatwick have sometimes waited for hours in front of security checks and counters.
This is attributed to staff shortages.
O'Leary dismissed the UK government's accusation that the travel industry was underprepared and allowing too many bookings.
The government refuses to issue special visas for jobs in the travel industry.
After Brexit, workers from other EU countries can no longer come and work in Great Britain without major hurdles and costs.
Often polarized
O'Leary is known for his polarizing statements.
In an interview last December, he described the political leadership in Great Britain as "incompetent".
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Patel fueled "mass hysteria" over the Omicron corona variant.
Around two years ago, he called for Muslim men to be subjected to stricter security checks before departure than other passengers.
sol/dpa
