Airport chaos so bad police and army could be called in as problems could last months

Passengers and staff have been reduced to tears at UK airports as queues and cancellations continue

Chaotic scenes continued to play out at airports across the UK on Tuesday, with queues so bad the army could be called in and warnings that problems may last months. Covid staff absences are causing severe delays and cancellations for a number of airlines, as thousands of Brits attempt to go away this Easter. Airlines and airports are also struggling to recruit staff quickly enough to meet passenger demand after thousands of jobs were lost in the pandemic.   For those who do have flights going ahead, the experience isn't pleasant, with claims it is "dangerous" and people will get hurt. https://twitter.com/GilhamJane/status/1509972456156585986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1509972456156585986%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.joe.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fnhs-adds-nine-new-covid-symptoms-327431 Travellers have faced hours of queueing, with reports of people jumping over barriers and abandoning their luggage. Passengers have even been trying to swap their flights at Manchester Airport to avoid missing them, BBC reports. One passenger told the broadcaster they actually missed their flights from the airport on Friday, with "customers and staff in tears". https://twitter.com/Helias09/status/1510577813539233796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1510577813539233796%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.itv.com%2Fnews%2Flondon%2F2022-04-03%2Fpassengers-stuck-in-long-queues-at-heathrow-airport In other airports across the country, the situation doesn't appear to be much better. Some of those travelling from Heathrow Airport have faced three-hour queues over the past few days, with many flights delayed and cancelled. Passengers posting on social media have also reported hours of queueing at London Gatwick and London City airports, as well as at Birmingham. One passenger at Gatwick Tweeted: "3 hrs to check in and running to catch a flight - fuming at shocking staffing, training and queues - people you need to leave about 4hrs for this shambles to get through without additional stress." https://twitter.com/becky980/status/1510900565202681860

Heathrow Airport and Manchester Airport management said the covid checks required by destination countries were adding to waiting times, as well as high passenger volumes. But there were also reports of staff shortages and problems with the e-gate passport checkpoints at Heathrow, as travellers took to social media to air their frustrations.

Manchester Airport has asked passengers to arrive at the earliest time their airline allows for the next few weeks. Related stories:

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