THESE photographs show the extent of the delays at Manchester Airport as travellers describe huge queues and hours-long waits as a 'shambles'.

The airport apologised earlier this week and said the long queues were because of a mixture of staff shortages, an increase in passengers and a higher number of bags needing to be checked at security due to people not being familiar with security protocol.

Passengers are being advised to arrive at the earliest time their airline recommends and double-check they have not packed anything in their hand luggage that cannot be taken through security.

Northwich Guardian: Lengthy queues at Manchester Airport (Nigel Wenham)Lengthy queues at Manchester Airport (Nigel Wenham)

We asked Guardian readers if they had been affected by the queues.

Gavin Dell Maddocks said: “Yes! Four hours to get through on March 6. Plane back to Manchester was delayed because of a late departure from Manchester and baggage claim delayed. It was painful.”

Meanwhile, David Williams said: “No. Flew from Terminal 2 on March 20. Luggage drop-off and security were done in 45 minutes. Flew back Friday, March 25 – straight through passport control, picked up luggage, we were driving home in 40 minutes.”

Nigel Wenham tweeted: "Chaos this morning, T2, awful queues for security, lack of cleaners for planes, not enough baggage handlers to support departures = long delays.

"And you charge £5 to drop off for this shambles."

A spokesperson for Manchester Airport said: “We want to apologise to all customers who have been impacted by queues recently.

"We are experiencing staff shortages as we - and the rest of our industry - work hard to keep pace with a significant surge in demand for travel after the removal of restrictions in recent weeks.

“There has been a large increase in passenger numbers following the start of the travel industry’s summer season, and the situation has been exacerbated by a significant spike in Covid-related sickness in recent days.

“We are doing all we can to recruit the number of colleagues we need to support the remobilisation of our operations after the biggest crisis our industry has ever faced.

"Customers are advised to arrive at the earliest time their airline allows them to check-in and to ensure they are familiar with the latest rules around what they can and can’t carry through security.

“We would like to thank all our teams for their dedication during these challenging times and, once again, apologise to passengers impacted by delays.”