Queues at Edinburgh Airport were caught on camera. Picture: Contributed

Families and elderly passengers were among those to suffer hour-long delays, with queues for security check points starting as far back as the check-in desks.

Passengers claimed they were told the hold-up was due to 13 out of 14 security staff members calling in sick on the same day.

A spokesman from Edinburgh Airport admitted the delays were due in part to “staff resourcing” issues, but could not confirm the exact number of absentees.

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David Mason, 56, a management consultant from Edinburgh, said he had been stuck in a queue for security for more than an hour last night.

He said: “There is a massive queue at security that started just after check-in. I’m flying to Dublin and my flight has been delayed which I am actually relieved about.

“I was told that 13 out of 14 security staff members had called in sick. The crowd is being very patient at the moment, but I’m sure that could change. There has been absolutely no information given to passengers,” he added.

Some passengers took to social media to vent their fury.

On Twitter, Gareth Price, wrote: “Chaos at Edinburgh Airport this evening!! very long queues to get into security – arrive early!”

Blake Connolly wrote: “Insane queues at Edinburgh Airport. Got rushed through security like fricking VIPS – got a plane to catch!”.

Another disgruntled passenger, Jen Dougan, added: “Outrageous queuing for security at Edinburgh Airport, Line starts at check-in desks.”

In November Scottish author Ian Rankin hit out at long security queues at the airport, writing on Twitter: “One X-ray machine in use at 7:30am. Having to lock passengers out because you’re overrun? Embarrassing.”