Cosford Air Show pledge over traffic chaos

Cosford Air Show organisers today said they would consider refunds to thousands who missed the action because they were stuck in nine mile queues.

Part of the long queues of traffic heading for the site

More than 50,000 people enjoyed the spectacular show in beautiful weather, watching displays by the Red Arrows and iconic aircraft such as the Vulcan and Lancaster bombers.

But many who had paid £25 a time for tickets were caught in queues that at one point stretched all the way from Cosford back to Wolverhampton city centre.

Organisers said they were surprised by the numbers and said there were more cars parked at the site than ever before.

They told ticket holders who could not get in to contact them to ask for a refund.

Some people who set off at 9am didn't arrive until mid-afternoon for the show – and some gave up and went home.

Cosford Air Show 2013 - Your pictures
Traffic chaos as thousands flock to Cosford Air Show

Andrew Stapleton, from Wellington, set off at 9am for an 11-mile journey that would normally take 20 minutes and didn't arrive until after midday.

He said: "I came off junction three of the M54 as advised and then was diverted right up the A41 towards Newport before joining the most mind-numbing queue of my life.

"It took two-and-a-half hours just to get back to the roundabout before the crawl towards Cosford."

Organisers issued a warning at the height of the chaos that anyone without a ticket would not get in with a car.

But despite warnings, they said they had not actually turned anybody away.

Show chairman Wing Commander Mike Wilson said extra parking was made available and changes were made to diversions, adding: "We're sorry some people were delayed. We work closely with the police and highways to minimise those delays."

RAF Cosford spokeswoman Amanda Butcher said today: "People seeking a refund are welcome to contact us and we will look at each individual case."

Rob Gregson, from Telford, gets an autograph from television star Carol Vorderman at the show

RAF?Air Cadets on their way to entertain the huge crowd during the Cosford Air Show

Ian, Keeley and Corey Nicholls, from Telford, get a close-up of one of the indoor exhibits at the show

The Apache helicopter with Prince Harry comes in to land watched by some of the 50,000 crowd at the show

The Central Band of the Royal Air Force entertain the crowds in the sunshine at the air show

Spectators queue to get a close look at one of the Red Arrows aircraft. The display team were performing at the show.

Part of the massive 50,000 crowd look skyward as the air show gets under way at RAF Cosford

A number of display teams entertained the crowd during the afternoon

The Red Arrows obviously love being at the Cosford show

The Battle of Britain Flight famous World War II planes, the Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire, fly past during the 75th air show at RAF?Cosford

The Red Arrows performed a spectacular display

The Vulcan flies over Cosford. Picture: Bill Brookes.