Manchester Airport has warned customers of potential delays and said it is 'disappointing' that Swissport is 'not able to provide adequate resources' during the current busy festive travel period.
Travellers could have to wait longer to disembark their aircraft or face more delays at baggage collection after landing in Manchester due to 'staffing challenges' faced by Swissport, the airport said.
It comes days after passengers claimed they had to wait as many as six hours for their bags, with a shortage in staff available to help. Swissport apologised and said the recent cold temperatures were to blame, as well as staff sickness.
READ MORE Manchester Airport issues warning ahead of another weekend in the cold snap
The Airport has now mobilised a specialised support team in a bid to keep disruption to a minimum, thanked Swissport staff who are currently working at the airport and said it is seeking 'urgent clarification' on the steps being taken by the company to resolve the issue.
Sharing the statement online on Sunday night (December 18), 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 a Manchester Airport support team to keep disruption to a minimum and 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 once again for the disruption they may face."
A spokesperson for Swissport said: “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."
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