A government survey has revealed that airports across Japan are facing a severe shortage of security staff amid a recovery in air travel.

A transport ministry survey shows that the number of security staff fell from 7,400 in April 2020 to 5,600 in September 2022. That's a reduction of 1,800 staff, or about 25 percent.

Even before the coronavirus pandemic, the working environment of airport security staff had been under scrutiny for low pay and irregular hours.

A sharp drop in air travel due to the pandemic led many airport staff to leave their jobs. But filling the vacancies has been a challenge and airports are experiencing a serious shortage of security staff.

Airports are advising travelers to check in early during the year-end and New Year holidays, as long lines may form for security checks.