Manchester Airport chaos will continue for the 'foreseeable' says GM Mayor - but here's what is being done now

Mr Burnham issued a statement following a meeting with Manchester Airport yesterday.

It comes after days of chaotic scenes at the airport, which seems to struggling to cope.

The metro mayor warned passengers to get to the airport three hours before, rather than the usual two hours.

He said: "Like everyone, I have been concerned to see some of the scenes at Manchester Airport over recent times.

"Many passengers have faced an unacceptable experience and it is important that every possible step is taken to prevent a repeat.

"People preparing to travel are understandably worried and there is a need for the clearest possible advice before they do.

All airports have struggled to one extent or another with lengthy queues caused by staffing issues arising from the pandemic. But it is clear that Manchester has faced particular challenges.

"Yesterday I met with the senior management of Manchester Airport to get a clearer understanding of the current situation.

"Some of the issues being experienced by Manchester Airport are beyond their control.

"However, that is not to say that other things could not have been done differently."

@GlrwinRacing Scenes at Manchester Airport

Mr Burnham said that airport should have recruited staff earlier and communication to passengers ahead of and upon arrival should have been better, as should the management of the queues."

To those travelling in the coming days and weeks the clear advice from the airport is to:

Arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight.

Check baggage into the hold in advance if possible.

Minimise hand luggage and ensure it is correctly packed before leaving home.

Mr Burnham said: "Sadly, the disruption is not going to disappear overnight and this advice will have to be in place for the foreseeable future.

"While the airport expects that there will be some disruption for the next two months, I want people to be reassured that the airport, supported by colleagues in Greater Manchester, are putting in measures to ease it."

These include overtime and temporary staff, additional staff to pass on information to passengers and look after their welfare and publishing more real-time information on security queues,with some airlines tarting to offer passengers the ability to check in their bags the night before if they are taking an early flight.

Greater Manchester Police have increased police presence at the airport;

Mr Burnham said: "Manchester Airport are making huge efforts to recruit staff, but one of the issues they are facing is the length of time it is taking for security checks to be completed.

"220 staff have been recruited and are currently awaiting clearance but the process is taking longer than usual.

"So, I am today writing to the Minister for Security and Borders asking if large airports, such as Manchester, which are experiencing longer-waits for vetting, could be prioritised for a period to speed up the process.

"Manchester Airport is run independently of my office and the ten Greater Manchester Councils.

"That said, we do work to support them in any way we can and will continue to do so until we have worked through the issues caused by the pandemic."