Research suggests more than two in five airport workers are considering quitting, which could add to delays already seen in terminals due to understaffing.
A survey of 1,700 workers by UK workplace CV-Library found that reasons for wanting to leave the industry included wanting better pay and less stress.
However, just 5% of respondents blamed the current situation on UK airports, where there have been major delays in recent months.
Two out of three respondents said they had not had a pay rise in the past 12 months.
Lee Biggins, chief executive of CV-Library, said: “With the industry in such disarray, it’s no surprise that so many airport workers are considering leaving.
“Attempts to turn things around have so far failed and with the peak season upon us, urgent action is needed.
“Based on our data and the voice of current and former airline and airport workers, if wage levels and benefits were improved, the crisis could be severely cushioned.”