'The longest queue I've seen in 49 years': Holidaymakers rage at latest Birmingham Airport 'carnage'

Ongoing work to "streamline" security processes at the airport has also contributed to delays.

On Friday morning 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!"

Another posted: “Travelling from Birmingham Airport is an absolute shambles. It has the longest queue for security that I’ve ever seen in my 49 years.

“And check-in desks open two hours before, despite tickets recommending three hours.”

Replying to a question about queue times on X, 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.

The hold-ups have been caused by work ongoing to build a "more streamlined" security area at the airport, which bosses previously warned could impact customers "from time to time".

Al Titterington, terminal operations director at Birmingham Airport, previously said: “As with all our recent advice, customers should arrive at the airport in line with when their check in opens, this can be found on their airline booking detail.

"For customers travelling with liquids in their hand luggage, please do remember that these cannot exceed 100ml. With our new scanners, liquids, pastes and gels no longer need to be in plastic bags, and can be loose within hand luggage.

“Our security queuing area is still changeable, and customers should follow the direction of our customer teams when at the airport, who are on hand to help.”