LONG queues at Manchester Airport have continued today (April 4) as a  travel agent updates its customers on security FastTrack tickets.

The airport has been hard-hit and heavily criticised in recent days over extremely long queues at check-in and security, with shocking footage last week showing people physically jostling for position in the lines.

Today, Holiday Shop Blackburn updated its customers on what may have provided a less stressful experience with security FastTrack bookings.

A spokesperson said: "New FastTrack bookings are no longer available for April departures until further notice. 

"May and June FastTrack departures are being discussed and will be announced soon.

"If you have a FastTrack booking for April, May or June already booked then you can go to the airport as normal. Manchester Airport is not taking any new FastTrack bookings until further notice.

"Please leave plenty of time at the airport and get there in good time.

"Anyone who has booked special assistance or travelling as a family are still able to use the FastTrack service. Thank you, The Holiday Shop."

A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: “Manchester Airport apologises to passengers whose experiences this weekend have fallen below the standard we aim to provide.

"We want to assure customers and colleagues that their safety and security will always be our first priority.

“Our whole industry is facing staff shortages and recruitment challenges at present, after the most damaging two years in its history.

"The removal of all travel restrictions after two years, coupled with the start of the summer travel season, has seen a rapid increase in passenger numbers, which is putting an enormous strain on our operation.

"We are doing all we can to recruit the staff we need to meet this demand, but this is taking time due to the lengthy vetting and training processes involved.

"That is why we have been advising travellers that there may be, at times, longer queues than normal.

"Whenever this is the case, we do all we can to redeploy resources and prioritise passengers within queues as best we can. 

"We are also aware that partners working on our site, such as baggage handling agents, are facing similar challenges.

"We will continue to support them in any way we can to deliver the best possible experience for customers during this challenging time.”