Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport. It is the major international gateway for North West England and the third-busiest airport in the United Kingdom by total passenger traffic. Owned by Manchester Airports Group, it serves as a primary hub for several airlines including Jet2.com, Ryanair, and TUI Airways. The airport's extensive network connects the region to destinations across Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia.

History

The site opened for civilian use in June 1938, initially known as Ringway, with its first scheduled service operated by KLM to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. During the Second World War, it was requisitioned by the Air Ministry and operated as RAF Ringway, a significant training base for paratroopers and a production site for aircraft like the Avro Manchester. Post-war, it reverted to civilian control, with the first transatlantic service launched by British Overseas Airways Corporation to New York City in 1958. Major expansion began in the 1960s with the construction of the first modern terminal building, now part of Terminal 1. The airport was privatized in 1986 under the Airports Act 1986, leading to the formation of Manchester Airports Group. The 1990s saw transformative development, including the opening of Terminal 2 in 1993 and the second runway in 2001, which was met with significant environmental protests.

Facilities and terminals

The airport operates three passenger terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3, all connected by the SkyLink inter-terminal transit system. Terminal 2 has undergone a major £1.3 billion expansion, becoming the airport's primary terminal for Star Alliance and SkyTeam carriers. Facilities include a wide range of retail and dining options, multiple executive lounges such as the Escape Lounge, and a Runway Visitor Park offering public viewing. The airfield features two full-length parallel runways capable of handling the Airbus A380, with Terminal 1 hosting a dedicated Pier A for wide-body aircraft. Cargo operations are supported by dedicated facilities used by freight carriers like DHL Aviation and FedEx Express.

Airlines and destinations

Manchester Airport serves as a base for numerous airlines, with Jet2.com and Ryanair operating their largest bases outside of their primary hubs. It is a focus city for TUI Airways, EasyJet, and British Airways. Key long-haul services are provided by carriers such as Singapore Airlines to Singapore Changi Airport, Emirates to Dubai International Airport, and Virgin Atlantic to destinations including John F. Kennedy International Airport. Major North American connections include services by American Airlines to Philadelphia International Airport and Delta Air Lines to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The airport offers one of the UK's most extensive route networks outside London, with over 200 direct destinations.

Statistics

In 2023, the airport handled approximately 28 million passengers, making it the busiest airport in the UK outside Heathrow. It is a leading airport for freight in the North of England, handling over 100,000 tonnes of cargo annually. Pre-pandemic, in 2019, it recorded its busiest year with nearly 29 million passengers. The top destination countries by passenger volume are typically Spain, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates. The airport supports an estimated 25,000 jobs on-site and contributes significantly to the regional economy of Greater Manchester.

Ground transportation

The airport is directly served by its own railway station, Manchester Airport railway station, on the Manchester Piccadilly line, with regular services operated by Northern Trains and TransPennine Express. It is connected to the UK motorway network via the M56 motorway and M6 motorway. Extensive bus and coach services are provided by operators including National Express Coaches and Stagecoach Manchester, linking to cities across the North West and beyond. Taxi services and car rental facilities from major companies like Hertz and Europcar are available across all terminals.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has experienced several notable events. In 1957, a Silver City Airways Bristol Freighter crashed on approach, resulting in fatalities. A significant incident occurred in 1985 when a British Airtours Boeing 737 experienced an engine fire during take-off, leading to 55 fatalities and major changes to UK aviation fire safety regulations. In 1999, a Korean Air McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo flight crashed shortly after take-off, with the investigation citing pilot error. The airport's emergency services are regularly tested through large-scale exercises coordinated with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.