Manchester Airport boss warns long queues will continue 'for weeks' after finally admitting staff shortages

Passengers at Manchester Airport could face queues for ‘several weeks’ to come as bosses admit they are struggling with staff shortages amid a surge in international travel. The hub is on a major recruitment drive to remedy the crisis - even looking to 'work with universities' to find temporary hires - but they have warned long waits could continue well into April.

Karen Smart, managing director of Manchester Airport, said: “We want to apologise to all our customers who have experienced disruption over the last couple of weeks.

“We want to be clear with our customers that getting back to full strength is going to take time and there will unfortunately be periods over the next few weeks when it will take longer to get through the airport than it should.”

READ MORE: Manchester Airport staff asked to volunteer own time to help after days of chaotic queues

It’s been a difficult month for both passengers and staff at Manchester Airport, with huge queues for Check-in, Security and Passport Control, as well as issues in other departments including baggage reclaim. It has, in the words of one passenger, created ‘carnage’ for many travellers.

Staff are also struggling with the workload. Some have contacted the Manchester Evening News complaining of ‘exhaustion’ amid a heavy workload and diminishing team spirit.

One employee said: “It’s very under-staffed at the moment, things are diabolical. The entire work environment is shocking. A lot of people were furloughed and made redundant.

"All the companies in the airport just got rid of far too many staff, everyone panicked during the pandemic. Now everything is picking up again, we can’t just get the staff back.

"There’s a lot of staff threatening to leave and a lot that have