Council workers drafted in to help Manchester Airport tackle staff shortage crisis after weeks of passenger chaos

Council leaders have freed up staff to help with Manchester Airport’s urgent recruitment drive as the hub tackles the staffing crisis and surge in passengers. City hall has confirmed they are assisting with tasks including sifting through job applications and will be 'supporting' the interview process in a bid to help resolve the workforce deficit.

The move comes after a turbulent month as staff shortages lead to queues, delays and missed flights for passengers. There are currently two members of staff in Manchester Council's Human Resources department who have been diverted from their usual duties to help, but it's understood this could be increased if needed. Council aid is also understood to include promoting and hosting jobs fairs and lobbying the Home Office for assistance in speeding up security vetting for new recruits.

Meanwhile, Andy Burnham yesterday warned disruption was expected to last for two months and asked passengers to arrive three hours before their flights. The Manchester Mayor also revealed how the combined authority would be assisting with measures including extra police presence, transport staff, online queuing information, baggage check-in the night before travel and more 'welfare' support for passengers enduring long waits.

READ MORE: It was once a source of pride... but now that's finished - so why is Manchester Airport in such a mess?

As a majority shareholder in Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Manchester City Council has benefited from dividends from the airport, which amounted to a £600m windfall for the 10 councils in the five years before the pandemic. However, when Covid led to plummeting passenger numbers and a reversal of fortunes, the council made a considerable contribution to a