Birmingham Airport passengers have branded long security queues an 'absolute disgrace' this morning as thousands attempted to travel for the Bank Holiday and school half-term. The airport apologised, attributing the delays to an 'unexpectedly high level of staff absence because of sickness', which reduced the number of security screening lanes available, creating a backlog.
Some travellers missed flights as a result. The airport stated it was working with airlines and affected passengers to resolve the situation. Witnesses reported that a pregnant woman fainted due to the heat while queuing for over an hour.
Passenger frustration
Images from inside the packed departure terminal showed large crowds of frustrated passengers. One person posted on social media: 'Total chaos in Birmingham Airport. The poor staff not sure what to do. We're in express lane and not moved for 20 minutes. Jokers!!' They added: 'On flight eight minutes before take-off. Others have missed it.'
Another traveller commented: 'Getting through the airport this morning was an absolute disgrace. Eight security machines, only three open and tens of thousands of people queuing. First and last time flying from this shambles of an airport. You should be embarrassed and ashamed.'
Express lane issues
A different passenger expressed frustration, noting that the Bank Holiday weekend and start of half-term were expected events. They described the situation as 'inexcusable' and highlighted problems with the express lane, including staff absence and misuse of the assisted lane by large family groups following a child with a sunflower lanyard.
The airport confirmed that staff sickness was the cause and that the average wait time was 21 minutes. A spokesperson said: 'This morning, passengers experienced longer than usual wait times at security due to an unexpectedly high level of staff absence, which meant we were unable to open the full number of screening lanes required. We recognise the impact this had on some passengers and apologise for the inconvenience caused.'
