The footage was posted to Twitter by passenger Elizabeth Evans after the flight, from Malaga, touched down in Manchester on Thursday, and includes the moment her own pink case is carelessly chucked onto the baggage trolley before skidding off onto the runway.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Evans said she was “shocked” by what she witnessed, adding her brand new case had been damaged.
Swissport, Ryanair’s baggage and ground handling agency, said it was “disappointed” by the footage and has apologised, while confirming an investigation is under way.
MORE: Shocking footage shows reckless baggage handler hurl cases from flight
Andrew Cowan, Manchester airport chief executive, said he would “crack down” on such actions at his airport: “Manchester airport will not tolerate the behaviour… of the employees of the ground handling company Swissport. We are clear it is completely unacceptable for our customers’ belongings to be treated in this way by any company operating on our site.
“The behaviour of the Swissport employees falls well below what we would expect from ground handling agents at Manchester airport. We have sought urgent assurances from Swissport that a full investigation will be carried out and swift and robust action taken against those involved.”
Cowan added the actions of the individuals concerned were “so serious”, he hoped Swissport would ensure they never work at the airport again and has urged the company to carry out an urgent review of their recruitment and training processes.
“If we are not satisfied by Swissport’s response to these issues, we will consider what further steps are required to protect passengers’ interests, including the full range of sanctions available to us as part of Swissport’s operating licence,” said Cowan.
