Cologne Bonn Airport faced long queues at security checkpoints on Tuesday morning after a staffing shortfall left fewer lanes open than planned. Passengers in North Rhine-Westphalia reported waits of more than two hours, and some missed flights, including holiday travellers heading to Cuba.
The airport confirmed that its security contractor could not fully provide the booked screening hours, prompting the operational bottleneck. Travellers were advised to go directly to the security area after check-in, while water was being distributed to those waiting. Airport staff were working with authorities, service providers and airlines to limit the disruption and manage the flow of passengers.
The incident points to recurring staffing pressure at the airport’s screening points, where queues have also appeared in earlier periods. No broader safety issue was reported, but the disruption affected the passenger experience at one of Germany’s busiest domestic and short-haul gateways.