Manchester Airport has slammed Swissport after it claimed significant staffing shortages caused severe delays.
The airport has made headlines in recent months, from magical holidays "ruined" to families " trapped " at the airport amid heavy snow fall.
But over the weekend, passengers reported long delays for baggage collection leading to increased car parking or taxi fees, the MEN reports. It comes following long delays the previous weekend due to heavy snow causing runway closures.
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But this weekend, Manchester Airport issued a statement warning of more potential disruption due to " significant staffing challenges " faced by Swissport. The airport offered their 'sincere apologies' to passengers affected on Sunday.
Hitting out at the aviation service, Manchester Airport said: "We have been made aware of significant staffing challenges faced by Swissport, which is impacting the arrivals experience of passengers flying with the airlines it supports. This may result in some delays to passengers being able to disembark their aircraft, and to the baggage collection process, during the course of this evening.
"It is disappointing that - despite assurances to the contrary - Swissport is not able to provide adequate resources during the busiest weekend of the Christmas travel period and we apologise to all passengers who have experienced unacceptable levels of service.
"We have mobilised an Manchester Airport support team to keep disruption to a minimum and we are seeking urgent clarification on the steps being taken by Swissport to resolve the challenges it is facing. We would like to thank the Swissport team currently operating at the airport under such challenging circumstances, and our airport colleagues for their support.
"Thank you to all affected passengers for their patience, and our sincere apologies for the disruption they may face."
Many people have since hit out at the long delays, which come after a summer of "chaos" and runways closed following heavy snowfall.
ECHO reader Pat Coleman said: "Absolutely horrendous, we arrived Saturday morning after a long haul flight to find we could not get off at a gate, had to walk down steep slippery steps to be bussed to terminal, then two-hour wait for luggage, not even a seat for elderly or infirm to sit on."
British taekwondo athlete Bianca Walkden was also among the passengers to experience huge delays for baggage, sharing an image of a long line of travellers waiting at the carousel. She wrote on Twitter: "It’s an absolute joke that we have to wait 4+ hours for our baggage .. some people car park was over £75."
Other Twitter users vented their frustrations as @stuart_m_barnes wrote: "@manairport we’ve been waiting over an hour for our baggage at Manchester airport now and still the carousels aren’t moving…. Another reason why @manairport is the WORST airport in the world!!"
@MLsoho1965 said: "@manairport @AerLingus my niece landed at 11.05 from Belfast and still no luggage and no information about when it might show up. Car park cost is going to be absolutely eye watering!!! Any update on when luggage can be expected?"
On-the-day car parking prices increase over time ranging from £6 for 30 minutes to £20 for two hours. For pick-up at terminal 3, it's £50 for more than two hours.
A spokesperson for Swissport added: "We apologise to passengers affected by baggage delays. Unfortunately, the continuing severe weather, combined with staff illness, has created some challenges for our teams. We understand this is a frustrating situation and we’re working closely with our airline and airport partners to mitigate these issues."
However, over in Merseyside, Liverpool John Lennon Airport has previously spoken about their "big gamble" to avoid huge queues this year. The Liverpool Airport has won plenty of praise over the past 12 months as they managed to avoid most of the problems which beset others up and down the country.
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