Travellers have been urged to arrive at Manchester Airport early as queues are so long they leave the terminal.
Most recently, Liverpool FC fans heading to Lisbon for the Benfica match have been met with delays due to the long queues for security. Fans have branded Manchester Airport an 'absolute shambles' as they report waiting for up to two hours to get through.
One fan told the ECHO that queues were hours long and they lead to further delays with planes not taking off on time. The fan, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "It was a disaster. After we finally got through security and onto the plane, I fell a kip just before take off but I woke up and we've not even left."
READ MORE: Faces of 19 people jailed in Liverpool this week
He added: "Flights were delayed because of the knock-on effect of the queues but on our flight someone decided to kick off which lead to us being delayed 1 hour and 20 minutes. Now we are back at the gate waiting to take off again."
Athletic LFC reporter James Pearce, also posted to Twitter warning fans to 'leave plenty of time' to get through the terminal. Tweeting an image of a queue snaking out of the terminal, he said: "This is the giant queue outside to be able to join the massive queue inside for security at @manairport Absolute shambles. Any LFC fans flying out to Lisbon, leave plenty of time!"
It comes after a shocking video was shared online showing passengers jostling for space as they went through security checks. Travellers expressed concerns that 'someone will get hurt' as the images showed staff struggling with the amount of passengers.
Last month bosses at the airport said passengers could face queues for 'several weeks’ after admitting they are struggling with staff shortages. Manchester Airports Group (MAG) said they have also struggled with the easing of restrictions as well as a large number of bags being rejected at security.
A spokesman for Manchester Airport said: "We apologise to passengers whose experience at Manchester Airport has fallen short of the standards they expected. As we recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, our whole industry is facing staff shortages and recruitment challenges.
"As a result we are advising customers that security queues may be longer than usual, and we encourage them to arrive at the earliest time recommended by their airline. Due to the security checks and training associated with these roles, it takes time for people to be able to start work in our operation.
"That is why we are exploring a number of short-term measures to deliver the best possible service we can, such as the use of agency staff and different ways in which existing colleagues can support our operation. We are aware similar challenges are being faced by airlines and third parties, such as baggage handling agents, operating on our site.
"Together, we are working hard to deliver the best possible service we can in the circumstances, and to resolve these issues as quickly as possible."
