In a statement which criticises Manchester Airport for acting too late on recruitment, insufficient communication to passengers and management of queues, Mayor Andy Burnham has revealed measures to ease the ongoing crisis at the hub, caused mainly by a staff shortage. He also warned that 'disruption' was expected to continue for 'two months'.
While Greater Manchester's councils are majority shareholders in Manchester Airports Group (MAG), the day-to-day operation is usually outside the remit of both the town halls and the Mayor's office. However, Mr Burnham said they would 'work to support them in any way they can' until they have resolved the issues caused by the pandemic.
The Mayor said this would include an increased police presence at the hub, while transport staff from the bus and tram network would be drafted in to help with 'queue management and communication'.
Amid long waits for Home Office security clearance for new recurits, the mayor said he would also write to the Minister for Security and Borders asking if airports including Manchester could be prioritised in the process. This could mean that the 220 staff currently waiting to start at the hub could be out on the floor sooner.
The plan also includes:
- Increased overtime and more temporary staff
- More staff to 'organise' passengers passing through the airport
- Better information for queuing passengers and 'steps' to look after the welfare of those waiting for a long time
- More real-time information on security queues to be published on the Manchester Airport website
- Some airlines to offer bag check-in the night before flights if they are booked on an early service.