Passengers were facing travel chaos at airports across the UK on Monday as staff shortages continue take their toll.
Furious customers at Birmingham, Manchester and Stansted have complained of long queues.
Passengers at Birmingham Airport were stuck in two-hour long queues at security check-in that stretched outside the terminal and into a car park.
Queue for security at @manairport now stretching outside the Terminal building. As a regular user of the airport, I could describe my experiences as of late, but I usually refrain from swearing on Twitter. pic.twitter.com/CuyY5ICOYI
— Ryan Hoey (@RyanPHoey) May 9, 2022
Meanwhile, there have also been reports of two-hour delays at passport control in Stansted.
The widespread problem in recent weeks is believed to be caused by issues recruiting workers in the aviation sector as well as Covid-related absences.
At least ten flights were delayed at Manchester and four at Birmingham as of 8am this morning.
The situation on Monday morning was described as “absolute chaos” and “manic” by travellers on Twitter.
One person said it took her “two hours to get through check-in and security”.
Another threatened legal action against the airport if they miss their flight due to a “lack of management”.
One Twitter user wrote: “Chaos at Manchester Airport this morning. Queue for security is outside in the drop off area. Then snaking inside before you are even near the gate for security.”
And the worst airport award goes to: @STN_Airport
— Ernesto (@Spir4l_) May 9, 2022
2 and a half hours to go through passport control, terribly long queues and I wonder if this is safe at all other than unbearable
Only Gatwick and Heathrow now on pic.twitter.com/XRrHZaELZt
Another added: “Queueing since 4.30am this morning for getting through Manchester Airport security. What a nightmare.”
Several travellers at Birmingham Airport spoke of their fear of missing their flight.
Meanwhile, a customer at Stansted wrote: “‘And the worst airport award goes to: Stansted.
“Two-and-a-half-hours to go through passport control, terribly long queues and I wonder if this is safe at all other than unbearable. Only Gatwick and Heathrow now on.”
A spokesperson for Birmingham Airport said: “Half of the 15,000 customers flying out of BHX today were booked to depart in our busy dawn peak, so we took the decision to run queues outside the terminal to avoid them getting tangled with check-in lines.
“Queues were long but managed and moving. We thank customers for their patience.
“As always, our message to departing customers is: Help us help you keep queues moving by removing any liquids, gels, pastes and electrical items from your bags before our security x-ray scanners.”
Both Manchester Airport and Stansted have been contacted for comment.
