Passengers face ’90-minute security queues’ amid Bristol Airport chaos

Passengers at a UK airport have described “chaotic” scenes this morning as they were held up in queues for up to 90 minutes.

Described as a “chaotic nightmare”, passengers are reportedly waiting in 90-minute security queues, holding them up and risking them missing their flight.

Expressing their frustration over the situation on Twitter, one customer said: “@bristolairport what on earth is going on there? Security queues preventing passengers boarding in a timely manner. 90 mins to transit security!” Another added: “@BristolAirport is a chaotic nightmare.”

There are a number of possible factors responsible for the delays, reports Bristol Live.

For example, some of today’s disruption is being caused by French air traffic control workers striking. UK-wide, several airlines have already been impacted by the industrial action. Ryanair cancelled 60 flights on Wednesday and grounded another 60 on Thursday.

Air traffic controllers can retire aged 57 in France and are exempt from the pension age rise proposed by Emmanuel Macron from 62 to 64. However, the controllers are still striking – in solidarity with workers who are affected.

Bristol Airport’s departures board showed easyjet’s Paris service had been diverted this morning and another flight to the French capital had been cancelled.

It should also be noted that passengers returning to Bristol Airport from Spain were diverted this morning. 

Plane passengers claim they were left stranded after their easyJet flight was diverted to Cardiff Airport in the early hours of Friday morning. The plane full of returning holidaymakers from Spain say they landed in the Welsh capital’s airport with no way to get home.

EasyJet said that a delay in the flight taking off had meant that it would be arriving back too late to reach Bristol before its night curfew.

Plane passengers claim they were left stranded after their easyJet flight was diverted to Cardiff Airport in the early hours of Friday morning. The plane full of returning holidaymakers from Spain say they landed in the Welsh capital’s airport with no way to get home.

EasyJet said that a delay in the flight taking off had meant that it would be arriving back too late to reach Bristol before its night curfew.

When asked about the situation, a spokesperson from Bristol Airport told the publication that: “Security was very busy for a period of time early this morning, with average queues of just under 40 minutes in our central search area.

“We always recommend passengers arrive at the terminal at least two hours before their scheduled departure time. Whether passengers have checked-in online or are checking-in at the airport, please also allow plenty of time for traffic, parking, and security search.”

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