Manchester Airport has urged passengers to plan ahead as it prepares for what it expects will be the city's busiest summer on record. The airport anticipates around 5.7 million people will pass through its terminals in the coming weeks, as families and holidaymakers take advantage of the school break.
What’s changed at the airport
The passenger surge comes as the airport continues the final phase of a £1.5 billion transformation programme due to finish later this year. Among the upgrades already completed are an expanded and renovated Terminal 2, which now includes the Great Northern Market foodhall, and a revamped Boutique Mall with new luxury retailers. Terminal 3 has also been refurbished and now serves Ryanair only, with a new sports bar, Sporting Chance, providing more than 500 seats.
Tram works affecting journeys to the airport
Transport disruption in Greater Manchester compounds the need to plan. Metrolink maintenance work continues until 2 August, with no trams running through the city centre. Specific affected lines include:
- No trams on the Altrincham, Eccles and Trafford Park lines.
- Services on the East Didsbury and Airport lines terminate at Firswood.
- Passengers should use tram replacement buses where provided.
| Replacement bus route | Between |
|---|---|
| Route A | Exchange Square and Rochdale |
| Route B | Bury and Piccadilly |
| Route C | Piccadilly and Ashton-under-Lyne |
Those travelling to or from the airport over the next few days are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to check alternative public transport and parking options.
Flight delays and cancellations
Travellers should monitor the status of their flights carefully. FlightRadar24 and airlines’ own websites are the best immediate sources for up-to-the-minute departure information. On Friday morning, a number of departures were recorded as delayed by more than 30 minutes or cancelled; passengers were urged to confirm arrangements with their airline or travel agent before setting out.
With high passenger volumes and ongoing infrastructure works across the transport network, airport operators and local transport authorities say passengers should plan their journeys and expect longer transfer times.
If you are due to travel from Manchester Airport:
- Check your flight status with your airline and platforms such as FlightRadar24 before leaving home.
- Allow extra time for journeys, particularly if you usually use Metrolink services through the city centre.
- Consider coach, rail or park-and-ride alternatives if you are concerned about tram replacements or delays.
The combination of record passenger numbers and local transport maintenance presents a logistical challenge for the city this summer; booking ahead and leaving earlier than usual remain the most reliable ways to reduce the risk of missed flights or long waits.
