Bosses at Bristol Airport have apologised after admitting that security queues on Friday morning were "unacceptable". Various posts on social media showed long queues with one person saying that barriers were pushed over and hundreds faces missing flights.
There had been issues with queues at the airport, which is popular with passengers from Wales, earlier this year but it seemed that issues had been resolved.
But a statement from the airport this morning said that "far fewer security staff were working than planned". Urgent talks are now being held with the security business partner.
ITV reporter Max Walsh, who was at the airport to fly to Belfast, said he saw one person having a panic attack in the queue.
He added: "Trying to catch a flight to Belfast. I’ve been queueing for 90 mins and still nowhere near security. Queueing system has completely broken down as barriers are pushed over and hundreds of people face missing flights."
Another passenger, who missed his flight, said: "Absolute carnage at Bristol Airport due to poor security organisation and lack of personnel. Queued for nearly two hours and only got half way through the queue when advised our flight had gone without us."
One passenger said he had waited three hours in the queue and there were still "hundreds" of people in front of him.
Another started queuing at 4.45am, and at 6.05am they were told there would be "another 45 minute wait" but their gate was closing at 6.20am.
The full statement from Bristol Airport said: "Security queues early this morning were unacceptable and we apologise to all customers who were impacted. Far fewer security staff were working than planned. We’re in urgent discussions with our security business partner so passengers receive the service they rightly expect."
The statement added that queues at security had returned to normal by mid morning.
It added: "Our advice for passengers flying later today is unchanged - we recommend you arrive at least two hours ahead of your scheduled time of departure."
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