Yes-it seems to mainly hit Birmingham and Manchester airports.
A week ago I landed at Gatwick south ( midnight)and arrivals both inside and outside the terminals were almost empty.
Also-never forget the tabloids love a scare story
When I returned from my visit to Italy last week I was through Stansted airport in 30 minutes. Check in the Saturday before was easy too. Security with carry on was only the time for a 10 person queue.