BUDGET airline Ryanair has apologised to hundreds of holidaymakers who ended up missing flights over the weekend because not enough 'bag-drop' desks were open.
During one of the busiest weekends of the year at Stansted Airport, Ryanair and baggage handling company Swissport were guilty of failing customers, making them queue for hours whilst the aircraft they were due to board left the tarmac for sunnier climbs.
Airline chiefs laid the blame squarely in the lap of Swissport.
A Ryanair spokesman said: "Ryanair operates an on-line check in service for all its passengers. No passengers are required to queue to check in at the airport.
"Only passengers with checked-in baggage are required to use the bag drop facility. Due to staff shortages at our ground handling partner, Swissport, an inadequate number of bag drop desks were operating at Stansted on Saturday.
"Ryanair assures its passengers that it is working with Swissport to ensure this situation does not recur."
Up to 700 people, including families with young children, were forced to pay for alternative flights or cancel their holidays as a result of the chaotic situation.
According to reports police were also called to intervene as travellers vented their fury at the Irish airline.
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