'Huge queues' have been reported at Manchester Airport as thousands jet out for a bank holiday getaway.
Over the past month, the airport has come under fire as people missed their flights, despite turning up hours before departure, due to delays. Today (April 18), disgruntled passengers labelled the disruption as 'frustrating'.
Lucie Spencer, 25, a salon owner from Lancashire, said customers were dealing with "annoying" queues after her flight was held for over an hour due to apparent staff shortages. She said: "Queues were very long, we were in Terminal 2. They moved consistently but slowly.
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"The mood of the airport was generally calm but you could hear people moaning, of course, as it's no fun standing in queues for so long. It's definitely due to major staff shortage, TUI had basically no check-in desks open, just self-check-in, which seemed to cause the huge queue. Security was then huge queues as there were only three of eight security lanes open.
"Queues to get into all bars and restaurants, meaning we had to give up so as to not miss our flight. Still sat on the plane, should have taken off at 8.30am but the luggage wasn't loaded onto the plane in time."
TUI has already issued an apology to holidaymakers following the issues at check-in. A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that unfortunately due to staff shortages at Manchester Airport today, some customers are experiencing longer-than-usual queue times at check-in.
"Please be assured that our teams are working as quickly as they can. We have contacted all customers due to depart in the next two weeks with advice on travelling with potential wait times in airports and have more information available on our website."
Manchester Airport has been approached for comment.
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