Multiple airlines are advising travellers to arrive up to three hours before their flight time amid long waits at Manchester Airport.
Manchester Airport is struggling to meet the demand from travellers following the lifting of restrictions and staff shortages. Holidaymakers have been seen jumping over barriers and abandoning their bags in the reclaim hall, and queues for security checks are reaching out to the car park.
The Manchester Airports Group (MAG) said there had been a number of bags being rejected at security, lengthening passenger wait times. Baggage handlers said they are 'under more stress than ever due to the 'unexpected demand' over previous weeks.
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Bosses said the issues could extend all the way throughout the summer, leaving many passengers concerned as to whether or not they will make their flight or not. Prior to recent weeks, Manchester Airport has always given the general guidance that passengers should be "checked in and ready to go through security at least two hours" before their flight departure time.
But as airport-goers have told the Manchester Evening News that it has taken them as long as four hours to get through security, it is evident that two hours may no longer give holidaymakers enough time to catch their flight.
Manchester Airport was approached for a comment amid the chaos and told the M.E.N: "We would advise passengers to arrive at the earliest time suggested by their airline – which is usually the time check-in opens for their flight - and to reacquaint themselves with the rules on hand luggage before travelling, as additional screening of bags may add to wait times in security."
As a result of this, it turns out that most airlines who fly from Manchester Airport are now giving passengers their own advice when it comes to how early they should arrive at the airport ahead of their flight. Two airlines told the M.E.N that they are now recommending their passengers to arrive at the airport up to three hours before departing.
A spokesperson for TUI UK said: "TUI is advising customers to arrive up to three hours before departure and to allow extra time to go through security before going to their boarding gate." A representative for British Airways also confirmed that the airline is now "advising customers to arrive at Manchester airport three hours before departure".
Budget airline easyJet didn't give a specific time frame but a spokesperson said: "We are aware of security delays at Manchester airport today and so are advising customers to arrive at the airport with plenty of time ahead of their flight. We continue to work with Manchester airport to ensure our customers’ experience through the airport is as quick and easy as possible."
For any other airline, it is recommended to check directly with them on what time they would recommend you arrive.
