Stranded passengers formed long lines outside the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Netherlands after flights were cancelled due to low staffing levels on Monday, September 12.

Frustrated travellers were left waiting in hundred-metre queues, baking under the sun outside the terminal as a lack of security staff caused more than 80 flights to be cancelled and 650 more to be delayed.

Flier Phil Ventre from Liverpool said: 'This was an absolute disgrace. If the airport wants visitors, they have to sort it out.

'We can't get a flight back until Thursday.'

An airport spokesman said on Monday: 'Staffing levels at security today are lower than what Schiphol had requested of the security companies. As a result, there is a shortage of security personnel and the number of waiting travellers is increasing, especially in Departures 3.

'Unfortunately, there is a chance that travellers will miss their flight due to long waiting times.'

They added that passengers whose flights were cancelled or delayed may apply for compensation.

Netherlands Trade Union confederation representative Joost van Doesburg said the chaos was triggered by the resignation of security workers after the end of a 'bonus period' where they earned extra income.

Employees reportedly earned an extra 5.25 Euro per hour during July and August this year.