As chaos continues at Britain’s airports, it was today that a shortage of staff caused the long lines at Birmingham Airport Security.
A mother with a three-year-old travelling to Fuerteventura told MailOnline she had ‘never seen anything like it’, describing the queues as ‘horrendous’, before claiming a member of staff blamed the bedlam on flyers failing to remove liquids from their hand luggage.
She was among thousands of passengers who were subject to long delays in check-in lines and at security. Manchester Airport also saw similar scenes. British Airways also had to cancel 128 flights. The flagship airline stated that it would give passengers at most a few days notice.
Sarah was the mother. She said that she had seen horrendous queues. Three-year old son. At one time, we wanted to give up on the process and call it quits.
The worst thing was where you had to wait in line for your boarding pass. There were more lines than ever.
Then the security guard said to her, “Take your liquids out from your bag.” That’s why we are in this mess. We laughed at him. We laughed at him.
Some families had to make arrangements for their children to be there six hours before the flight.
Manchester Passengers reported waiting for security at the airport to be checked in. They were told that it took them two hours. There was also a queue outside of the terminal, which led into a car park nearby.
The delays were not only for flights but also at Stansted. Last night, passport control was also delayed by two hours.
Manchester Airport Security at Manchester Airport: Passengers had to wait in long lines for over 300 yards.
Holidaymakers adhered to flight operators’ advice to arrive in plenty of time – only to be told they were too early to check-in.
Shirley Young (71), was from Burnley in Lancashire and was on an easyJet flight towards Pathos in Greece.
She stated that although we were at the airport from 9 AM, our flight will not arrive until 2.45pm.
“The airline sent us an email advising us to be there early, but now we won’t be able to check in.
We are stuck because there aren’t any facilities after security. After we check in, we need to return outside and wait for security to open.
“It’s very disappointing. It is the same flight as was originally planned for 2019, therefore we have been waiting a while.
Chloe Charlton was 26 years old and a Middleton NHS worker. She flew with her two kids to Alicante.
“I feel overwhelmed by all of it,” she said. It is difficult for us to check in yet, and we can’t keep our children happy while waiting.
“We wanted to be able to pass security quickly and give food to the kids.
“They’ve been doing well so far, but they’ll soon become more hungry and tired. It is just an awful situation.
Lucas Tottman, 21, a supermarket worker from Sandbach, was travelling to Turkey and had arrived more than four hours before his flight said: ‘It is not ideal, but I’m prepared to do it to go on holiday.
‘Saying that, I’m not happy about having to arrive so early for my flight and then queue for so long. It’s time for things to change.
Kian Nowland, 21, a student from Sandbach, said: ‘It is really poor that after so long they still can’t get it right and sort it out.
‘They will be making a fortune charging people dropping passangers off and they can’t afford to employ enough staff to cope with the number of people arriving.
“They blame covid because they don’t have enough staff. But that excuse is unacceptable. It is up to us to accept covid as part of our daily lives and to adapt to it.
This is because airports across the UK are still facing staffing problems in the aftermath of Covid restrictions.
According to travel chiefs, the problem has been made worse by an increase in tourism demand after two years of Covid-enforced disruption.
Many have expressed concern that the problems with staffing, which culminated in people running off to celebrate the first Easter Bank Holiday without restrictions for more than two decades, may continue into the next year.
EasyJet also announced yesterday that it will be removing seats from its planes in order to operate flight with less cabin crew, as it is facing staffing problems.
Paul Charles is the CEO and founder of The PC Agency, a travel agency.
Manchester Airport staff assist passengers who are standing in long lines outside the departures terminal trying to get through security
Birmingham Airport had such a long queue that passengers were forced to line up outside the terminal because of its size
Travellers heading off to their spring break are facing chaos at airport security today, which includes delays, poor organisation, and long queues outside the terminal building. Pictured: The queues outside Birmingham Airport’s airport security.
Many holidaymakers are queuing up at Birmingham Airport today in droves, some even waiting outside of the terminal building.
Birmingham Airport says that there is an ongoing problem with staffing. Pictured: This morning, passengers waited in line for their Tui flight from Birmingham Airport.
Today, Terminal 1 Passengers at Manchester Airport were seen waiting outside the terminal building while they waited to be allowed through security.
Today, there was a long line of passengers queuing up at the Manchester Airport car-park as they waited for their turn.
“With airlines cutting their schedules this can mean that every flight is jammed as passengers board whatever flight they have available to them. Airports are under more pressure than ever, particularly at the security checkpoints where staffing shortages persist.
“It is not a public holiday but there are more school and tour groups traveling during May and that increases the pressure.
‘Don’t forget – many people haven’t travelled for over two years so they are having to get used to travel again, and all the processes that go with that, such as not carrying bottles over 100ml in hand luggage.’
Manchester Airport spokeswoman said that they were aware of the fact that some passengers experienced more security lines than expected this morning. We apologize for any inconvenience.
“We make steady progress in recovering from the terrible effects of the pandemic. We are able to recruit the staff that we require for summer as well as reduce the time it takes to get the workers.
“We are still warning customers that sometimes queues might be longer than usual due to the unexpectedly high level of absenteeism experienced this morning.
We do our best to avoid disruption and prioritise customers where possible in order to guarantee that they are able to fly. To manage congestion and reduce queues, we also made use of Terminal One’s car parking when necessary.
Manchester Airport passengers are reminded to be there at least 3 hours before departure and that they should ensure all their bags comply with security requirements.
We are asking passengers not to arrive before this time, as they might not have the opportunity to check-in to their airlines and/or go through security. These delays could lead to unnecessary waiting in terminals as they await these processes opening. Allowing people three hours will allow them to clear security and board their planes.
“We want to express our gratitude to all of our coworkers for their continued dedication and commitment, and to assure our customers that we will do whatever it takes to get to the destination we desire as quickly as possible.
As holidaymakers flocked to the airports today, it was also the beginning of a new week. This caused delays for passengers at Manchester and Birmingham. Today, both the airport bosses stated that the delays were caused by ongoing staffing issues.
Manchester also experienced additional difficulties, with passengers arriving as early as six hours before the flight to beat the lines – creating bottlenecks in already busy times.
There were not queues today at Heathrow or Gatwick. Over Easter, millions of people flew to the UK’s biggest airports. This caused delays for passengers at these hubs.
One holidaymaker flying out from Manchester Airport today branded the situation a ‘sh*t show’, while others at Birmingham Airport said they feared missing their flight.
A second Twitter user wrote, “Chaos at Manchester Airport today.” The drop-off area is where security queues are. After that, you will need to make your way inside the building before reaching security.
A second added, “Queuing starting at 4.30 am this morning in order to pass Manchester Airport security.” This is a terrible situation.
Danny, a 40-year old holidaymaker who requested not to be named, and Abigail were among the hundreds of travelers that experienced delays in their baggage at the airport Wednesday.
TUI Flight from Paphos to Paphos was scheduled to land at 7pm. The couple were unable to get their luggage back until 10.45pm. They had the option of giving their addresses to have their baggage delivered “mid-to late next week”.
Danny said to the Manchester Evening News: “We expected something with all the information that was in the news. But when little children cry because it is so late and there’s no information, it only makes things worse.”
“All those who were seen in high visibility came out, and they got peppered. But they couldn’t provide any information to us – except one guy who blamed staff shortfalls.
“To be fair, Manchester Airport flew out well, no problems, but it was getting back that was the issue.”
After arriving on TUI’s flight from Paphos to their destination, the account manager said that they had an awful experience.
The flight took them to Greece 90 minutes late. There was no food on the trip. After clearing customs they were met with ‘two luggage belts of people waiting. Danny said that they could see the danger coming from their faces.
Initialy, the couple waited at the conveyor for over an hour. They watched other passengers’ baggage come in and cheered on fellow travellers. They finally heard the announcement via the PA system after waiting two-and-a half hours.
Danny continued: “They stated that they were unable to inform you of the date your bags would be released. To send the form to their homes in the middle of next week, they asked that we queue up to obtain a baggage reclaim sheet. After waiting for 45 minutes more, another plane from Antalya arrived and people started to line up.
Their baggage finally arrived at 10.45pm. Danny said that they couldn’t wait to get their baggage home next week, and while around 25% of the passengers chose to return the luggage and send it back, some families had babies and claimed all they needed in their bags.
Birmingham Airport’s situation also angered passengers. Twitter user One passenger called the situation “Utterly ridiculous”.
They shared an image taken from the Terminal and wrote, “These are the lines to get into Birmingham Airport.” All will be late for their flight.
A second shared an image of the terminal’s queues and said: “What is the point?”‘.
Stansted’s passport inspection hall also experienced two-hour delays last night.
One twitter user said: “And Stansted is the worst airport award.” The passport check took 2 1/2 hours. I was in long line and wondered if it is safer than being unbearable. From now, Heathrow or Gatwick will be the only ones.
Manchester Airport passengers claim they have been waiting for two hours at security check in. Queues lead outside of the terminal to another car park. At Birmingham Airport passengers are complaining of long lines outside the main terminal building and a ridiculous queue at security check-in.
The delays also affect flights. As of 8.30 am this morning, at least ten flights were delayed at Manchester airport and four at Birmingham. This comes amid staffing problems at airports across the UK due to Covid restrictions. According to travel chiefs, the problem has been made worse by increased demand after two years of Covid-enforced disruption.
Chiefs of Birmingham Airport today stated that the current queues are due to staffing problems. Nearly half (43%) of the airport’s employees were made redundant by the pandemic. Bosses stated that the airport started a recruitment drive last November, and are now training new security officers.
MailOnline received a statement from Birmingham Airport stating that only half the 15,000 customers departing today at dawn, when it is busy. To avoid this happening, they were told to stand outside the terminal and wait in line.
“Queues took a while, but were managed well and moved quickly. Customers are appreciated for their patience.
“As usual, our message for customers who are leaving is to help keep the queues moving. Please remove any gels, pastes or electrical items from your bag before we scan it with our security xray scanners.
According to Manchester Airport Chiefs, they now have over 500 fresh recruits who are currently going through security and screening. This is in response to a April recruitment drive.
A spokesperson for the airport stated last week that sixty new recruits had already joined the operation in April. Another 200 recruits are due to begin in May in order to strengthen the workforce in time for peak season.
Swissport responded to the complaint of the passenger that they were not receiving their luggage on time. Although the airline industry still has to heal from the pandemic it is working hard to overcome these problems and have received over 1,200 colleagues throughout the UK.
“We know how frustrating and annoying delays are, and we continue working with our partners in order to implement contingency strategies and improve turnaround time.”
EasyJet announced yesterday that it would be cancelling seats from its fleet in order to fly less crew due to staff shortages.
As more Brits travel abroad after the pandemic has ended, it’s been difficult for Air France to keep up with rising demand.
It is eliminating the back row on 60 A319 aircraft in an attempt to fix this problem. This will make the plane only 150 passenger-capable.
The cabin can now be operated by three people instead of the four.
Civil Aviation Authority Safety Laws require there to be at least three crew members for each 50 seats. This is regardless of whether or not the passengers are on board.
The Telegraph reports that a company spokesperson stated that this decision would ‘build additional resilience, and flexibility.
Multiple airlines have faced crew shortages ever since Easter. This is a result of many cutting staff during peak pandemic restrictions. Airline crew shortages have resulted in airlines being unable to respond quickly to rising demand.
The slow security screening process that was overseen by Government officials led to the lack of staff at airlines. Cabin crew members who are made redundant have less incentive to go back to work after finding new opportunities.
Grant Shapps (Secretary of State for Transport at the time) accused the airlines of failing to ‘gearing up’ prior to the Easter break.
EasyJet executives have stated that covid is the reason staff were absented over Easter. April sickness rates rose to nearly twice the normal rate.
Johan Lundgren is the easyJet CEO. However, Johan Lundgren hasn’t criticised the Government over staff shortages. The airline, however, seems to be waiting to get security checks for 145 of its staff.
Easyjet is removing the back row from 60 of its A319 jets, which will limit the plane to 150 passengers instead of 156
Removing the six seats in some of its A319 fleet could reduce the need for approximately 300 cabin crew, industry sources have suggested.
According to an easyJet spokesperson, the airline plans to fly at ‘back-to-near 2019 levels’ in summer.
Prior to the pandemic it was carrying around 300,000.
Julia Lo BueSaid of UK’s largest independent agent group Advantage Travel Partnership stated that the ‘dire labor shortage’ is one key issue impacting the aviation sector.
According to her, it is an affront that easyJet has decided to remove some seats in order reduce the crew per flight.
It stated that the last six seats of each flight are typically booked by last-minute bookings so holiday-makers who had planned ahead for their summer escape do not have to worry about their availability.
Last week the prospect of summer travel chaos intensified with the news that British Airways is cancelling 16,000 flights – and staff are threatening to strike over pay.
BA has announced that it will reduce flights on popular routes until October due to staff shortages.
Chief executive Sean Doyle said an average of 60 flights daily – 16,000 in total – will have been axed between March and the autumn – about 10 per cent of all BA flights.
About 75% of these are for short-haul travel to EU hotspots like Spain or Italy.
According to The Daily Mail, hundreds of BA employees based at Heathrow Airport where most BA operations take place, were also voting last week on whether or not they should strike.
They were forced to take a 10% pay cut due to the pandemic. Now they are demanding that their salaries be reinstated.
Nadine Haughton from trade union GMB said it’s no wonder that workers think about industrial action. GMB, Unite and other unions tested members’ willingness to strike yesterday. Union leaders are set for a binding formal vote which will give a mandate for a walkout should pay demands not be met. The strike could start in July, and go on into August.
BA stated that the vast majority of employees accepted a one-time lump sum equal to 10% of their salaries. However, check-in employees rejected the offer because it was a short-term salary cut.
BA already cancelled thousands in flights over the last few months because of staff shortages, an IT meltdown and criticisms that it had too many employees during the pandemic. While Mr Doyle acknowledged that there had been’significant losses in the last two year’, he said that the airline’s actions were “appropriate” given what they had gone through.
International Airlines Group, the owner of BA, stated that it is possible to see other airlines suffering from some of the same problems.
EasyJet, a budget carrier, has cancelled hundreds of flights over the past weeks. However, Virgin Atlantic, Ryanair and Jet2 haven’t.
- Do you find yourself stuck in the lines? Let me know about your experience: james.robinson@mailonline.co.uk