Growing pressure on airport security staff threatens to exacerbate delays by boiling over into industrial action.
Sources in the T&G section of trade union Unite warn feelings among staff at Stansted “may spill over” any day. The union has called for action to protect staff from assaults by passengers.
A T&G spokesman said: “It’s a growing issue at all UK airports – principally verbal abuse. But things are coming to a head at Stansted. Our reps are warning they may have to ballot on action.
“They understand passengers are frustrated, but our members are working long hours under pressure and dealing with a lot of angry people.”
T&G national secretary for air transport Brendan Gold said: “Passengers are taking it out on the nearest member of staff. The industry and authorities need to do a much better job of informing passengers how UK restrictions operate.”
The union wants improved staffing levels and facilities. The spokesman said: “Everyone is under pressure to get people through, but it needs to be safe.”