European airlines see strong summer bookings, hope to avert chaos

British Airways-owner IAG and Air France-KLM AFRAF reported bumper summer bookings as travellers pressed ahead with holiday plans despite a cost-of-living crisis, though IAG's boss warned strikes and lack of staff could still disrupt major airports. European airlines and airports are under pressure to avoid a repeat of last summer's chaotic scenes that marred the return to mass travel after the freeze caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. IAG, which also owns Iberia, Vueling and Aer Lingus, said on Friday strong ticket sales for summer and a winter season that beat expectations meant 2023 profit would come in above its previous…