‘Chaos’ at Manchester and Birmingham airports as travellers face long queues

Missed flights and queues outside terminals underline aviation sector's struggle with staff shortages

Thousands of passengers have had to queue outside terminals at Birmingham and Manchester airports, and dozens have missed flights, in chaotic scenes underlining the aviation industry's struggle to return to normal pre-pandemic service.

The staff shortages that led to congested terminals at Easter and widespread flight cancellations have persisted, with Birmingham deciding to move passengers outside to disentangle check-ins from security lines.