Burnham, who has written to security and borders minister Damian Hinds about the support, raised his concerns over the disruption Manchester airport has experienced over the past week.

"Many passengers have faced an unacceptable experience and it is important that every possible step is taken to prevent a repeat," he said.

"People preparing to travel are understandably worried and there is a need for the clearest possible advice before they do. All airports have struggled to one extent or another with lengthy queues caused by staffing issues arising from the pandemic, but it is clear that Manchester has faced particular challenges."

Burnham said some of the issues being experienced by the airport are "beyond their control" – but stated "more should have been done earlier" to recruit new staff.

"Communications to passengers ahead of and upon arrival should have been better, as should the management of the queues," he continued. 

"However, it is important to acknowledge that some of the pressure arises from the decision Manchester airport has taken to protect people’s holidays and trips and avoid cancellations as other airports have done."

To reduce pressure at security, the airport management team will increase the use of overtime, bring in temporary staff, deploy additional workers to help organise people passing through the airport and provide better information to passengers who are queuing.

More real-time information on security queues will also be published on the Manchester airport website.

"While the airport expects that there will be some disruption for the next two months, I want people to be reassured that the airport, supported by colleagues in Greater Manchester, are putting in measures to ease it," Burnham continued.