Manchester Airport bosses say security waiting times are falling dramatically despite it experiencing its busiest time since before the covid lockdown. More than 3.5m passengers are set to use the airport this summer. But during July 92 per cent of people passed through security in under 30 minutes. And in the last week, more than 95pc of passengers got through security in under 30 minutes, with more than three quarters of people passing through in less than 15 minutes.
In May around 90pc of passengers were clearing security in under 30 minutes, with waits of up to 90 minutes at busy times. The airport has endured a nightmare few months since covid travel restrictions were eased. Passengers have complained of long queues, delayed and cancelled flights and lost luggage, as the airport struggled with a lack of staff and a spike in demand.
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But since the start of the year 600 new security have started work, and another 280 are waiting to clear background checks. As recruitment continues Ian Costigan, Chief Operating Officer of Manchester Airport, said passengers would see an 'improved experience' by the autumn with the airport in a 'much better place by next summer.
He added: "We have made huge progress since April, having seen 600 people start work in security since the beginning of the year, with a further 280 waiting to clear background checks and start. And we are pleased to report that, as staff numbers have grown, the experience provided to the vast majority of our passengers has improved.
"Throughout July, more than 92% of people got through security in under 30 minutes. We were particularly pleased to see that in the last seven days, more than 95% passed through in under 30 minutes, and nearly three-quarters in under 15 minutes.
"We are also working closely with third parties across the airport to support their operations. As our recruitment continues and more people join the operation, by the autumn we should be back to an improved experience that people are looking for from Manchester Airport, and in a much better place for summer 2023."
Passengers are still be advised to arrive at the airport three hours before their flight, Mr Costigan added.
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