DELAYS and disruption are expected for several weeks as Manchester Airport struggles to cope with severe staff shortages.

More chaotic scenes have emerged as passengers faced huge security queues and hours of flight delays over the weekend.

Tempers flared as some passengers missed flights.

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

The airport says long queues have been caused by 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 the rules on hand luggage.

Knutsford Guardian: Customers have described huge queues as a 'shambles' Picture: Nigel WenhamCustomers have described huge queues as a 'shambles' Picture: Nigel Wenham

Travellers planning to escape over Easter are being urged to arrive early and take extra care not to packed banned items in hand luggage.

The airport has apologised for the delays but warns that the queues could continue for some time.

In a Twitter message today, a spokesman for Manchester Airport said: “As we continue to recover from the pandemic and passenger numbers grow, security queues may be longer than usual at times.

“If you’re due to travel in the next few weeks, please arrive at the earliest time your airline allows.

Knutsford Guardian: Frustrated passengers faced long queues Picture: Nigel WenhamFrustrated passengers faced long queues Picture: Nigel Wenham

“We apologise to our customers for the disruption.

“Please also help to reduce delays by preparing your hand luggage for security screening.

“Liquids must be 100ml or less and placed in a clear, resealable bag.

“Remove large electrical items from your bag.”