Qantas has apologised after facing a barrage of complaints over delayed flights, cancellations and mishandled baggage, offering customers a $50 flight discount to make amends.

CEO Alan Joyce conceded the national carrier had been beset by recent “operational challenges” as customers queued for hours at airports around the country.

The airline is rolling out vouchers and frequent flyer perks, including lounge invitations and reward seat availability, as additional sweeteners to win back customers.

In a bid to get back to pre-pandemic service, Qantas has hired an additional 1500 staff and adjusted flight schedules to help smooth the travel experience.

In a video and email message sent to millions of the company’s Frequent Flyers, Mr Joyce said the return to skies hadn’t all gone smoothly.

“Over the past few months, too many of you have had flights delayed, flights cancelled and bags misplaced. There are good reasons why, but when it comes to what you expect from Qantas, it’s not good enough.

“On behalf of the national carrier, I want to apologise and assure you that we’re working hard to get back to our best.”

Mr Joyce said the airline had been working to see sustained customer improvement.

“While factors out of our control like weather can have an impact on our schedule, we expect things to keep improving each week.”

-AAP