Man vows never to use Birmingham Airport again after ordeal of 'human snake' queueing for security

Not knowing what was happening, he trotted into the airport to get a coffee, which was when he was informed that the queue was for customers getting through security in prep for their departure.

Pulling his phone out, the soon-to-be sun-soaked chap filmed the giant queue - which started inside the building and tailed outside stretching the length of the airport - as airport staff 'called out flight departures and pulled out customers from the queue' to get them onto their plane.

He told the Express & Star: "It's the last time we'll fly from this airport - there's been no improvement, the same thing happened to me a few months ago when flying to Belfast.

"It's a complete shambles, there were thousands of people waiting, and the queue didn't make any sense because it didn't matter when you arrived, staff were calling out flights based on when they were departing and just pulled people out who needed to board.

"So you could get there 10 minutes or three hours before, and it wouldn't make a difference.

"The staff don't know what to do because there's so many people, nobody knows how to manage it and ultimately we were told our flight was in 30 minutes and we need to get on.

"It ruins the exciting start of the holiday, you don't get a chance to have breakfast, have a drink or look at the duty free and these are all things we look forward to when we fly out anywhere.

"It was just complete chaos, we got there when we were told to and did what we were asked, but the organisation of it all is shambolic.

"Luckily we got on the flight we booked, but the experience as a whole was shocking."

Early today holidaymakers stuck in the latest long queues described the scenes as ‘carnage’.

The region's biggest airport has been struggling to deal with the rise in demand over recent weeks as people fly away to enjoy the warmer weather this summer.

And as well as Dan, several travellers took to social media network X, formerly Twitter, to describe the scenes.

@jodie_rhianon posted on Friday morning: “Public service announcement: If you are thinking of flying from Birmingham airport anytime soon. Don't.”

@AlisonWool17533 posted: "@bhx_official queues to get to security, went to bag drop and we’re directed back out of the airport to queue to get back in!! Carnage!"

Although the painfully long wait to get to his destination stunted his birthday trip, Dan went on to say that there are far worse things happening in the world today, and admitted that he understands the issues airport staff face.

Dan, from Coventry, said: "At the end of the day, we're flying out for a birthday holiday and we know we're very lucky to be doing that as there are far worse problems facing people all over the world today.

"So, although it was problematic, in the grand scheme of things it's not a huge problem, it's just not ideal.

"I also completely understand that it's not the fault of the staff, they're trying to do the best they can to get passengers to their destination and I'm sure everyone is grateful for that."

On X, formerly Twitter, Birmingham Airport stated: “We are unable to predict queue times - however, please get to the airport in line with your airline check in times which is normally 2-3 hours before your departing flight. You can confirm this with your airline.

“We advise passengers to make sure they are prepared before the security search area. Please empty bags of any liquids, creams and gels. Please remove any large electrical items and place them flat within the security trays.

“We are advising passengers that preparation is key for faster security bag checks. Please ensure the removal of all liquids, creams, and gels, as well as large electrical items,” the airport added.

A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: “With the ongoing construction works and liquid restrictions in place, the airport was naturally busy as you would expect for a Friday getaway."

“Queues can be seen daily at peak times, which is natural for any airport. A picture of a queue is subjective, and in the moment, at that time. We strongly advise that customers follow our advice and turn up only in line with their check in opening time.

“We ask customers, check our social channels and website to follow our simple instructions to make travelling through Birmingham Airport easier for all.”