Manchester Airport says it expects more than half a million passengers through the gates this week as Eurovision Song Contest fever hits the region.
As the first semi-final kicks off on Tuesday night, the airport has revealed delegations from 23 countries, and the European Broadcasting Union, would be jetting into Manchester for the annual showpiece.
Several delegations are said to be split over multiple flights, with 70 expected in total.
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The 23 countries are Azerbaijan; Croatia; Switzerland; Norway; Sweden; Cyprus; Latvia; Malta; Portugal; Australia; Denmark; Netherlands; Finland; Belgium; Greece; Iceland; Slovenia; San Marino; Austria; Estonia; Germany; Italy and France.
The airport said contestants, members of the media and Eurovision fans from all corners of the continent are set to travel through, with passenger numbers in total set to 'surge', according to a spokesman.
The Eurovision Song Contest is usually held by the country that won the previous year’' competition. Last year Ukraine won but due to the Russian invasion of the country, the UK is hosting Eurovision this year after coming in second place. Liverpool was chosen ahead of Manchester as the host city.
Manchester Airport Managing Director, Chris Woodroofe, said the airport has been stocking up its bars and restaurants in the run-up.
He said: "As the UK's global gateway in the North, we are proud to play a pivotal role whenever major events like this take place in the region.
"Our teams are looking forward to getting into the Eurovision spirit as we welcome performers, supporters and delegations from across the continent.
"This year’s event has added significance, as the UK’s hosts it on Ukraine’s behalf, and everyone at Manchester Airport is committed to playing our part in making it a great success for all concerned."
Thirty seven countries from all over Europe and Australia will be competing to take home the trophy at this year’s event, but only 26 will make it through to the Grand Final on May 13.
France, Italy, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom - also known as the ‘big five’ - all automatically get a place in the final as they make the biggest financial contributions to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Ukraine as last year's winners are also in.
The remaining 31 countries will have to perform in one of two semi-finals held on May 9 and 11. Like the final, the vote is decided by a 50/50 split from viewers and a jury of music industry professionals.
Manchester Airport said there would be a total of 70 flights carrying delegations from different countries.
The total number of passengers expected during the Eurovision period is estimated at around 451,635, a 13 per cent increase in numbers from the same week last year.
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