One of the UK's biggest airports has re-iterated advice to passengers to avoid a repeat of the chaotic scenes that impacted holidaymakers earlier this summer. Manchester Airport has reported that more than 3.5million passengers are set to travel through the hub before the end of summer, representing the busiest period since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
It also reinforced guidelines of arriving three hours before a flight, no earlier or later, which can often add to the issue and create unnecessary queues. The UK’s third largest airport has worked hard to recruit more than 600 new staff since the start of the year, to overcome some of the issues it faced earlier in the year, and to ensure it can operate all of its airlines’ planned schedules.
The airport has also revealed that in July, 92 per cent of people have passed through security in under 30 minutes – a marked improvement on prior months. This last week, more than 95 per cent of passengers got through security in under 30 minutes and more than three quarters of people in less than 15 minutes.
Top destinations are: Palma de Mallorca, Antalya and Dalaman in Turkey, Alicante in Spain and Dublin.
Ian Costigan, chief operating officer of Manchester Airport, said: “As we head into the peak of summer season, we wanted to provide an update to passengers. We have made huge progress since April, having seen 600 people start work in security since the beginning of the year, with a further 280 waiting to clear background checks and start.
“And we are pleased to report that, as staff numbers have grown, the experience provided to the vast majority of our passengers has improved. As our recruitment continues and more people join the operation, by the autumn we should be back to an improved experience that people are looking for from Manchester Airport, and in a much better place for summer 2023.
“I would like to thank all our passengers for choosing Manchester and wish them all a great summer holiday. I would also like to thank the entire staff that work across Manchester Airport who are playing their part in our recovery, and getting our passengers back to travelling, following the biggest crisis our industry has ever faced.”
Top three tips for passengers:
- Arrive three hours before your flight – no earlier or later. By arriving earlier means you may end up creating an unnecessary queue as check in or security might not be open, or you could end up being in front of people who have flights departing earlier than yourself
- Ensure you are familiar with all the rules for security, especially if you have not flown in a long time. This includes making sure all your liquids, gels and pastes in your hand luggage are all under 100ml and in a clear plastic resealable bag. The airport has these available free of charge if you don’t have your own. Plus ensure your large electricals are out to go into the tray – this includes tablets and laptops and also anything with a plug attached
- Plan your journey to the airport. There are a lot of road closures, roadworks and ongoing issues with the rail network so plan how you will get there in advance, and if using one of the airport’s car parks make sure you book this in advance to get the best price.
