He wasn't early if he missed it.

The airport actually says two hours before flight to clear security .

I've done at least 500 LCC flights in EU. On the few times I've cut it fine... at bag drop/check-in, tell a member of staff, they take you to the front of queue. Tell someone at security, and they also take you to front. If no staff to hand hold, politely explain to passengers in front and cut the line. I've done this at all different airports. Then run.

No point standing there arguing the toss.
Anyone who reads a newspaper or listens to tv/radio, or speaks to ANY friend will know how this works.

I've missed flights due to traffic or whatever and had to deal with booking a hotel or alt flight - at my own expense, not fun.