PASSENGERS of four airlines arriving at Gatwick's South Terminal have been faced with long delays to pick up their luggage.
After up to five hours of disruption, most have now been advised go home without their bags.
Officials at the airport told passengers of British Airways flights who had waited more than an hour on their bags being returned, and those on Monarch, Thomas Cook or Thompson flights who had been waiting 90 minutes or more, that their luggage would be forwarded to their home address.
Staff shortages with baggage handlers Swissport was the reason for the delay.
A Gatwick spokesman said: "Due to resourcing issues with the baggage handlers Swissport there were overnight issues and delays with passengers' luggage,
"Gatwick provided extra staff to help the airlines and their baggage handlers improve their service, as well as providing welfare and water for passengers waiting in the baggage areas, but we are sorry for the delays they faced.
"Baggage operations are now returning to normal."
