Urgent travel warning for passengers flying out of Scots airports

TRAVEL warnings have been issued for holidaymakers flying out of Scottish airports after long queues sparked chaos this morning.

Passengers have been asked not to arrive early for their flights after images showed a huge line of people waiting before the security banner today.

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Throngs of people stood in a line that “snaked back to the car park” at both Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports in scenes one passenger branded “an absolute disgrace”.

Pictures posted to social media show children and adults bracing plunging temperatures as they wait to go through security.

It is understood delays at the bag drop area and issues with two of the security scanners contributed to the chaos.

Increasing airline cancellations and staff shortages caused by Covid have also not helped the carnage.

It is also thought that an increase of passengers looking for a break after the pandemic has contributed to the issue.

And those showing up early in an effort to beat the queues could also be making the situation worse – prompting the warning from airports.

A spokesperson for Glasgow Airport added: “This morning’s average queue time at security was longer than usual, however, passengers moved through at a steady pace to reach their flights.

“The airport is busier than it has been for more than two years as passenger demand continues to increase.

“Our teams are working extremely hard and we would ask passengers to ensure they come prepared for security inspection and, crucially, arrive at the airport as per their airline’s stated check-in opening time and not before.”

“We would like to take this opportunity thank our passengers for their patience.”

While a spokesperson for Edinburgh Airport added: “An airline handling agent opened up a number of flights at the same time for check-in this morning instead of staggering them and that resulted in a build-up of people.

“We also had two self-service check-in machines going down but they were quickly brought back online and helped to clear queues quickly.”

One traveller said: “Crazy scenes before security barriers at Glasgow Airport this morning.

“Queue snakes it’s way round the first floor shops and back into the car park. Never seen it this bad.

“Most people heading on holiday and in a good mood. If you’re flying today, arrive early.”

Someone else posted about the waiting times at Glasgow Airport, adding: “Normally just me at Glasgow security, now it looks like half the city is here.”

While another complained about the queues in Edinburgh Airport, saying: “I have used Edinburgh Airport for over 40 years but I have never seen it such disarray as Monday, hundreds of people queuing outside to get to security, pandemonium ensued.

“The cause – two of the security scanners were not working. Lack of staff, probably.

“Poor management, definitely.”

The chaos comes amid travel “carnage” at British airports which could last for months.

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