Gemma Atkinson has shared her own experience of Manchester Airport after heading on her first family holiday with fiancé Gorka Marquez. The former Emmerdale star spent time away in Tenerife which holds a special place in her heart.
But since touching back down in Manchester, the Bury-born star has shared her travel experience amid the ongoing chaotic scenes of huge queues, baggage delays, and crowded check-in halls. Passengers at Manchester Airport have been sharing pictures and have described the scenes as 'chaotic' and 'scary'.
Then, on Tuesday (April 5), the boss of Manchester Airport quit amid a growing backlash over the chaos .Karen Smart decided to leave the business after eight years to 'pursue fresh opportunities' .
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Taking to Instagram, Gemma shared a video of herself trying to entertain her two-year-old daughter Mia, who turns three in July, on the floor of the airport. The toddler appears to be in full conversation with her mum as they sit and wait out their time for their luggage as they arrived back at the city's airport on Tuesday night.
"How we killed time waiting for luggage last night at Manchester airport…. " Gemma started the caption of her post to her thousands of followers. "The staff at the airport were brilliant with us, however they are extremely understaffed which made everything so much slower. We arrived 4hrs before our flight and it took around 2hrs to get through security.
"Our flight was delayed an hour as while we boarding, some ppl on our flight were still waiting to get through security. Coming home we landed at 6.10 and it was 7.45 before the first baggage arrived. Again, the staff who were there were brilliant and you could see how stressful it was for them also."
Gemma added: "I hope the situation improves for everyone’s sake and my advice to anyone traveling is to give yourself plenty of time, expect the chaos but breathe through it, don’t take it out on the staff who are trying and try not to let it ruin the start of your holiday. Easier said then done I know when you’re knackered, but hopefully things will improve."
Fans were soon commenting on the post, thanking Gemma for the 'good advice' while others took on board her comments about the staff.
"This is so true! There are so many understaffed places still and it’s rubbish seeing the staff take the brunt of peoples frustrations! It’s not fair and it’s not their fault!" @markwillshirephotography said.
@donnamac79 commented: "This is so true there under so much pressure but it’s not their fault !!! Keep the holiday chilled vibe going."
But Gemma's followers were soon distracted and commenting about Mia.
"Mia facial expressions and hand gestures when she’s talking are just everything," @mrs_boomer_ said.
@bernmc29 commented: " Just love her little accent."
"Love Mia’s accent she is so lovely to bless her," @shazbrophy15 wrote.
Yesterday , Manchester Evening News' reporter Lyell Tweed went to the airport to suss out the situation for himself. He made his way through departures and security at Terminal 1 to catch a flight to Dublin. This morning, he's given it another go but this time with a destination of Malaga.
