Manchester Airport prepares for almost half a million passengers

Manchester Airport is gearing up for its busiest weekend of the year, with more than 450,000 people set to pass through the UK’s third largest gateway.

Tomorrow, Friday, August 24, will see the Northern hub welcome most passengers, with 110,000 due to depart from, or arrive at, Manchester’s three terminals.

The most popular destinations this weekend include Palma, Dubai and Alicante.

Ahead of the weekend, the airport is advising customers how to make their journey through Manchester as smooth as possible, advising passengers of potential ground transport disruption and reminding those jetting away about the consequences of disruptive behaviour.

Fiona Wright, customer services and security director at Manchester Airport, said: “As we enter our busiest weekend of the summer we want to ensure each and every one of our passengers has the best experience and start to their trip, while ensuring their safety and security.

“By working together with our passengers and other organisations operating at the airport we have been able to reduce security waiting times as much as possible, especially over the past six weeks when nearly 70% of all those passing through have not had to queue at all.

“Our colleagues are committed to ensuring that trend continues this weekend, which is why we are issuing this advice today to make as many passengers’ journeys as seamless as possible whether they are jetting off to Benidorm, Beijing or Barbados.”

The airport is advising passengers to be prepared by having all their liquids, gels and pastes – no bigger than 100ml each – in a clear plastic bag, and remember that coats and belts should be removed and large electricals should be ready for the security tray.

During the summer months, on average, around 12,000 bags a day get rejected and sent for additional searches, mainly because passengers have failed to comply and left liquids in their bags.

On average this can add another five minutes onto people’s journey time through security.

Any passengers with reduced mobility needing assistance are advised to book this in advance with their airline to avoid any delays to their journey through the airport.

All the information and contacts can be found at https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/help/special-assistance/

The airport also offers help for passengers with hidden disabilities to ensure they have a smooth transition. Passengers can pick up a sunflower lanyard from the OCS desk in each terminal.

Once worn staff are specially trained to give the right care and service to these passengers.

Passengers are also warned that the airport operates a zero tolerance attitude towards disruptive behaviour.

It is working with Greater Manchester Police and its airline, ground handling and retail partners, to ensure the experience of the vast majority of passengers is not spoiled by a minority.

During the Bank Holiday weekend, police and airport officers are increasing patrols of the terminals to look out for passengers with the potential to behave disruptively, with GMP issuing “yellow card” warnings to those in danger of crossing the line.

Information will be shared between all organisations to prevent anyone behaving in an anti-social way from boarding their flight, with the consequences for crossing the line ranging from airline bans to prosecution.

All those buying alcohol in duty free are being reminded they are not allowed to consume it before their end destination.

Passengers are also urged to plan their journeys, particularly in regard to rail travel which has been subject to delays and strikes.

The airport recently introduced a new forecourt management system in July and there is now a dedicated area for passengers being dropped off for free at Manchester Airport, from where complementary shuttles are provided to each of its terminals.

Details can be found at https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/pick-up-and-drop-off-info/

For those still wanting the convenience of an express drop off, a fee is now payable, set at £3 for five minutes and £4 for 10.

There has been no change to arrangements for those picking up passengers, with visitors asked to park in terminal car parks, where 30 minutes costs £4, giving people the ability to park-up and meet their passenger in the terminal.