Manchester Airport is facing "severe pressure" in the run up to Christmas due to high passenger numbers and staff absences.
Passengers reported missing their flights and waiting in two and half hour queues to get through security on Sunday as the travel chaos continued.
Airport bosses said security queues were "longer than we would have hoped" as a "significant increase" in passenger volumes has put the operation under "severe pressure".
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They said on Saturday that staff absences and "a higher number of passengers than expected" caused delays, but said this was not related to coronavirus, the Manchester Evening News reports.
On Friday, some travellers were seen in tears at the airport as their flights took off without them.
Photos shared on social media today showed passengers experiencing similar problems at the airport with long queues at the departures entrance.
@JulesSkirvin, tweeted on Sunday: “@manairport plane not at gate, hour delay.
“Nowhere near enough security staff so one hour plus to get through security and then to top it all you haven't loaded all the bags on to the plane - another 20 minutes plus delay.
“Even by your standards that's dreadful customer service.”
@frisbyrichards commented: “@manairport what an absolute mess your security check is! Get more staff to help those poor people from getting so much grief! #shambles.”
@_Aam1r also complained to the airport writing: “Absolute shambles at @manairport again. Queue snaking all round the terminal for security. One hour and counting ….all that money. Such a shame”
@Carole_Wardle tweeted: “Two and a half hours to get through check in and security at Manchester Airport. The staff were great but it’s not good enough."
And @jamie_harriz posted: “@manairport sort out security – over an hour in fast track, people missing flights. Joke.”
The airport has responded to several customers with similar messages writing: “We are aware security queues were longer than we would have hoped at times today and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
“We have seen a significant increase in passenger volumes which has put our operation under severe pressure.”
They added: “We're doing all we can to minimise delays over the festive period & thank customers for their understanding.
“With regards to the bags being loaded onto the plane, this process is handled by your airline's handling agent suggest contacting them for more information on this delay.”
The M.E.N contacted Manchester Airport for comment on Sunday.
A statement released by the airport yesterday said: “Yesterday evening, we experienced longer queues than we would like in Terminal One. This is due to a higher number of passengers than expected, and a higher-than-usual rate of staff absence on the day.
“Customer service staff worked hard to assist passengers during the evening, and we diverted resource from Terminal Two to support. Wherever possible, travellers were prioritised within the queue, but we are aware some people missed flights and, along with their airlines, we have been working to support their onward travels as best we can.
“Due to additional pre-departures checks, as countries update guidance for travel, passengers should arrive at a minimum of three hours before their scheduled flight time if they have to check in and drop bags. They can arrive two hours before if travelling just with hand luggage. Passengers should also familiarise themselves with security rules, especially if they haven’t travelled for some time.
“We apologise to all affected for any inconvenience caused.”
