A Bolton holiday maker has spoken out about her experiences of the chaotic scenes that engulfed Manchester Airport over recent days.

Mum-of-three Eva Garside, from Farnworth, had enjoyed an “amazing” family holiday to Tunisia, which she said had been a “lovely” experience for her and her children, aged 18, 14 and nine costing almost £2000.

Going there had not been a problem but their problems began when trying to get back home along with thousands of other British travellers.

Ms Garside said: “We went around May 23 and getting out there wasn’t too bad at all, its just yesterday coming back was awful.”

She added: “We were stuck in the Tunisian airport in Enfidha, which is really small, for about eight hours and it was really hot.

 

“We were given just eight euros each and that comes to about £4, which is what? Two drinks each?”

Manchester Airport: Delays soar as staff struggle with demand

On arriving back in England the family of four were confronted by further delays by another four hours in Manchester.

Ms Garside said: “When we got to baggage collect at Manchester airport our luggage was nowhere to be seen.

“It took two and half hours to get our luggage."

The Bolton News:

TUI has announced it is cancelling nearly 200 flights (Credit: PA Wire)

Ms Garside’s story has been mirrored by passengers from all over the country trying to make their way through chaotic scenes at airports as workers struggle with staff shortages and soaring demands. 

Tui has now cancelled nearly 200 flights due to leave Manchester Airport.

Tui Airways said in a statement: “Unfortunately, due to ongoing challenges in our operation, we have had to announce a small number of planned cancellations between now and 30 June from Manchester Airport only.

“We are directly contacting all impacted customers in departure date order and they will automatically receive a full refund.

“We can reassure our customers that the remainder of our flying programme is expected to operate as planned.”

 

Manchester Airport said in a statement that airlines and their ground handlers are experiencing “challenges” which is “leading to delays at check-in and baggage reclaim for some passengers”.

It added: “This is not the experience we want passengers to have at Manchester Airport and we are sorry to hear customers have faced disruption.”