LONG queues at Manchester Airport could continue until the summer due to severe staff shortages, says the airport group’s chief executive.

Charlie Cornish, chief executive of Manchester Airport Group, has apologised for the disruption but warns passengers could face waits of up to 90 minutes at check-in and security ‘over the next few months’.

His bleak prediction comes as passengers have described chaotic scenes and tempers have flared as some holidaymakers have missed flights.

Northwich Guardian: Passengers have faced weeks of long queues and delays at Manchester AirportPassengers have faced weeks of long queues and delays at Manchester Airport

The airport boss said new recruits are now being trained as they strive to recover from ‘the worst crisis in our 84-year history.

Mr Cornish said: “I want to say I understand passengers’ frustrations with the queues and congestion they’ve experienced in recent weeks.

“I apologise to anyone who has been affected by the disruption.

“The simple fact is we don’t currently have the number of staff we need to provide the level of service that our passengers deserve.

“Despite our efforts since last autumn, the tight labour market around the airport has meant we just have not been able to hire people quickly enough to establish a full strength team.

“Staff shortages mean that we cannot open all the security lanes we need and at times this results in longer queues that we want to see.

“While we still expect most passengers to get through in less than 30-40 minutes, there will be times over the next few months when waiting times will rise to between 60 and 90 minutes.”

He urged all passengers to arrive at the airport three hours before their flight.

He is confident improvements will be made in time for the peak summer season.

“We are busy recruiting new officers and taking them through the rigorous training and testing needed to work in aviation security,” said Mr Cornish.

“We have interviewed more than 4,000 people over the last two months.

“Many have already started in the operation and more than 200 people are currently going through the security checks that are needed before they can start training.

“We expect around 250 new security staff by early May.

“I cannot apologise enough for the disruption people have faced.

“We are committed to getting people away on their holidays and trips abroad with the best possible airport experience.

“We will be back to where we need to be soon and are working as hard as we can to get there as quickly as possible.”