MANCHESTER Airport has told passengers to expect more disruption this Christmas due to staffing issues.
Over the weekend passengers complained about the long delays they faced waiting for their bags, with some waiting as long as seven hours.
Disgruntled passengers were quick to comment about their own airport delays on social media.
One wrote: “We’ve been waiting over an hour for our baggage at Manchester Airport now and still the carousels aren’t moving.”
Someone else person said: “[An] 8 hour delay in Cancun and now 2+hours waiting for luggage at Manchester Airport.”
Another passenger revealed an even longer wait: “7 hours to get our bags.”
In a statement on Twitter 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.
The airport said that steps were being taken to resolve the challenges faced by the ground services.
They also thanked Swissport staff for their handwork, and passengers for their patience.
Swissport is one of several ground handlers operating out of Manchester Airport.
Many passengers had no sympathy for the airport, one person wrote: “Manchester Airport support team, in other words blame Swissport but offer no support.”
A spokesperson for Swissport said: “We apologise to passengers affected by the disruption.
“Unfortunately, a combination of knock-on effects from the recent severe weather and 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.”
The airport has also warned passengers to expect delays going through immigration because of strike action by the UK border force.
Sun Online Travel has contacted Manchester Airport for additional comment.
That’s not the only problem holidaymakers face this Christmas either.
Brits could be “kept on planes” as a way to prevent overcrowding at airports during the Border Force strikes.
And travellers could face queues as long as two hours at passport control due to the walkout, as well as long waits at immigration due to the shortage in staff.
