The government is being urged by the Greater Manchester mayor to prioritise security clearance for new staff at the UK’s major airports in a bid to tackle delays.
Andy Burnham has written to security and borders minister Damian Hinds to help large airport such as Manchester, which are experiencing longer-waits for new staff vetting, to speed up the process.
His letter was sent after a meeting with Manchester airport executives amid concern over long delays faced by passengers in the run-in to the Easter holiday weekend.
While Manchester airport is making “huge efforts” to recruit staff, one of the issues it is facing is the length of time it is taking for security checks to be completed, according to Burnham .
He said 220 staff had been recruited by the airport but they are awaiting clearance and the process is taking longer than usual.
As a result, the airport expects some disruption for the next two months, Burnham warned.
An increased police presence at the airport and assistance with queue management and communications to those waiting has been offered.
Burnham said: “Like everyone, I have been concerned to see some of the scenes at Manchester airport over recent times.
“Many passengers have faced an unacceptable experience and it is important that every possible step is taken to prevent a repeat.
“People preparing to travel are understandably worried and there is a need for the clearest possible advice before they do.
“All airports have struggled to one extent or another with lengthy queues caused by staffing issues arising from the pandemic. But it is clear that Manchester has faced particular challenges.”
While the airport has been making “strenuous efforts” to recruit, more should have been done earlier, Burnham added.
Communications to passengers ahead of and upon arrival should have also been better, along with the management of queues.
“However, it is important to acknowledge that some of the pressure arises from the decision Manchester airport has taken to protect people’s holidays and trips and avoid cancellations as other airports have done,” Burnham said.
“For that approach to continue the public need much clearer advice about what is being asked of them.”