The Managing Director of Manchester Sirport- Karen Smart has stepped down after weeks of chaos at the airport.
MAG chief executive Charlie Cornish said: “Over the last two years, Karen has guided Manchester Airport through the most challenging period of its 84-year history, having made a major contribution to MAG throughout her time with the business.
“I am sorry to lose Karen after her years of valuable service, but also understand her desire to return to the South for family reasons and indeed to explore new career opportunities.
“While there are sure to be further challenges ahead, I am confident we will soon start to see the benefits of the recovery plans Karen has helped put in place.”
Ian Costigan moves from his post as group transformation director to become interim managing director.
The airport has Ben the scene of massive queues in recent weeks as staff shortages led to problems at airport security which has led to people missing flights and numerous delays
Piles of suitcases have been left in terminals after travellers abandoned the wait to reclaim their baggage and instead left for home as the airport has been described as a national embarrassment
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “We warned the aviation sector repeatedly not to use the cover of Covid to slash jobs and pay. This would render it unable to meet demand when passengers returned.
“Now the sector is suffering from a chronic inability to attract new staff because workers are not attracted to an industry where pay is poor and conditions are lousy.
“Bargain-basement wages and insecure jobs must be consigned to the past if the sector wants to get back on track.
“It is pretty simple – if you want to thrive, treat your workers with respect and don’t attack their jobs, pay and conditions.”
Manchester Councillor Pat Karney tweeted after hearing the news
“I have never met Karen so it’s not personal when I say I hope this leads to a reset of Management and Approach at Manchester Airport.”
