Manchester Airport says security wait times are improving, with 90% of passengers in the past two weeks getting through checks in less than 30 minutes.

The airport has taken on new staff, with 60 people joining in April and 200 due to start this month ahead of the peak season. In addition, existing staff are working additional overtime.

The recovery in travel means the airport is now serving around three times more passengers each week than it was in January.

The airport is continuing to advise customers to arrive early – but not too early.

Customers need to be at the airport three hours before their flights, and to ensure they are up-to-speed with the latest rules about what can be carried in hand luggage.

But MAN said in a statement: “At the same time, the airport is also asking passengers not to arrive earlier than this because it can lead to extra queues, and check-in and security facilities may not be open.”

The statement added: “While the airport is still experiencing longer queues at times, these are happening less frequently and they are being cleared relatively quickly.”

Interim Managing Director Ian Costigan said: “We want to make sure that customers get away on their travels, so everyone at Manchester Airport is focused on bringing in the extra resources we need to continue operating our full flight schedule.

“While the majority of people will get through security in less than 30 minutes, customers need to allow time for check-in and the possibility that security queues may be longer at peak times.”