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Manchester is home to two airports: Manchester Airport (IATA: MAN, ICAO: EGCC) and Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (IATA: MHT, ICAO: KMHT, FAA LID: MHT). Manchester Airport, located in Ringway, is the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom and the 19th busiest in Europe, serving 30.9 million passengers in 2024. It offers flights to 199 destinations and is jointly owned by the 10 Greater Manchester councils. On the other hand, Manchester–Boston Regional Airport, informally referred to as Manchester Airport, is situated in New Hampshire, United States. It is the busiest airport in the state of New Hampshire and is known for its resilience to unfavourable weather conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Manchester Airport, Manchester–Boston Regional Airport |
| Location | Ringway, Manchester, England, 7 miles (11 km) southwest of Manchester city centre; Manchester, New Hampshire, United States |
| Year Opened | 1938, initially known as Ringway Airport; 1927 |
| Owner | Jointly owned by the 10 Greater Manchester councils; owned by the City of Manchester |
| Area Covered | 560 hectares (1,400 acres) |
| Number of Terminals | 3 passenger terminals; 1 cargo terminal |
| Number of Destinations | 199 |
| Number of Aircraft Operations | 32,845 (average of 90 per day) |
| Number of Aircraft Based | 89 |
| Number of Passengers | 30.9 million (2024) |
| Ranking | Third busiest airport in the United Kingdom; 19th busiest airport in Europe (2024); busiest airport in New Hampshire |
| Security | Greater Manchester Police; Manchester Airport Fire Service |
| Transport Interchange | The Station (bus, coach, and rail) |
| Parking | Available |
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What You'll Learn
Manchester Airport's history and ownership
Manchester Airport, located in Ringway, Manchester, England, has a rich history that dates back to the 1930s. The airport has played a significant role in the region's development and has undergone numerous transformations over the years.
In the early days, Barton, near Eccles, was chosen as the site for Manchester's new aerodrome in 1928. However, as larger aircraft began to emerge, it became apparent that the site would be unsuitable, and attention turned to Ringway, located south of Manchester. Construction of the Ringway Airport began on 28 November 1935, and by June 1937, it was partially operational. On 25 June 1938, Ringway Airport was officially opened, marking the beginning of Manchester's aviation history.
During World War II, the airport was known as RAF Ringway and served as a crucial base for the Royal Air Force. It played a significant role in military aircraft production, modification, and testing, as well as the training of over 60,000 paratroopers. After the war, the airport reverted to civilian use and gradually expanded. By the 1960s, Manchester Airport had become the second busiest airport in Britain, after Heathrow.
The airport continued to grow and expand during the 1980s and 1990s. In 1989, the Domestic Terminal was opened by HRH the Princess of Wales, and in 1993, Terminal 2 was inaugurated by the Duke of Edinburgh, doubling the terminal capacity. The construction of a second runway began in 1997 and was completed in 2001, despite facing protests due to its environmental impact.
Manchester Airport has also been at the forefront of sustainability initiatives. In 1990, the airport launched its 'Towards a Better Environment' programme, aiming to minimise its impact on the local community. The airport has continued to invest in improvements and expansions, including terminal upgrades, transport interchanges, and the integration of new technologies.
Today, Manchester Airport is owned and managed by the Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which is owned by the ten metropolitan borough councils of Greater Manchester. It remains a vital transport hub, serving 30.9 million passengers in 2024, making it the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom and the 19th busiest in Europe.
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Transport to and from the airport
Manchester Airport is located 7 miles (11 km) southwest of Manchester city centre. It is easily accessible by car, train, bus, coach, or tram.
Car
Manchester Airport is a 20-minute drive from Manchester city centre via the M56 motorway. The airport offers parking services, including the JetParks car parks with a fully accessible bus transfer service.
Train
The airport has direct train connections to and from major cities, running seven days a week. The train station is located right inside the airport, making it a convenient option for travellers.
Bus and Coach
Manchester Airport is well-connected to the local and regional bus network, with services running daily from early morning to late at night, including weekends. The Station, the airport's integrated transport hub, serves as the ground transport interchange for bus, coach, and rail passengers. Over 500 buses use the facility daily, including the 24-hour bus service 43, which runs every 10 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night to Manchester city centre via Wythenshawe, Northenden, Withington, Fallowfield, and Rusholme. Additionally, a network of National Express and Megabus coach services connects the airport to various destinations across the UK, including Birmingham, Liverpool, London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
Tram
Metrolink, Greater Manchester's tram system, provides easy access to and from the airport. The Metrolink stop is located inside the airport, adjacent to the rail platform, making it a convenient option for travellers.
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Security and safety at the airport
Manchester Airport is located in Ringway, Manchester, England, and is the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom. With 580 flights a day, the airport's security teams work around the clock to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
Security ambassadors, airfield duty managers, and other officers work together to ensure a smooth transition of guests through the security area. They are responsible for making everyone feel welcome while minimising any potential threats. All security personnel receive full training to develop the skills needed to excel in their roles.
Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport three hours before their scheduled departure to account for security checks. Travellers can opt for the FastTrack service for rapid routing through security clearance, leading directly to the departure lounge. This service is available for a small fee of £5 per person when booked in advance.
To ensure security and safety, Manchester Airport has implemented several measures. All liquids, gels, and aerosols in hand luggage must be under 100ml each. Any electrical items larger than the size of A5 (20cm x 20cm) must be removed from hand luggage and placed in a separate tray for screening. Passengers may also be required to undergo a body scan to ensure no dangerous items are taken onboard. The body scanning equipment is designed to be safe and non-intrusive, with passengers remaining fully clothed during the brief scan.
The airport is policed by the Greater Manchester Police and the Manchester Airport Fire Service.
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Airlines and destinations
Manchester Airport (IATA: MAN, ICAO: EGCC) is an international airport in Ringway, Manchester, England, 7 miles (11 km) south-west of Manchester city centre. It is the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom and the 19th busiest airport in Europe, with 30.9 million passengers served in 2024. The airport has three passenger terminals and a cargo terminal serving cargo-only freighter services and cargo carried on regular passenger flights. Airlines that operate out of Manchester Airport include Ryanair, Air Lingus, Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, easyJet, Emirates, Etihad, TUI, and Virgin Atlantic. The airport offers flights to 199 destinations worldwide, including Tenerife, New York City (JFK), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina.
Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (IATA: MHT, ICAO: KMHT, FAA LID: MHT) is a public airport located 3 miles (5 km) south of Manchester, New Hampshire, United States. It is the busiest airport in New Hampshire and the third-largest cargo airport in New England. The airport is served by airlines such as FedEx, UPS, and Amazon, which operate cargo-specific jets to destinations across northern New England. Manchester–Boston Regional Airport is also a base for smaller airlines such as Wiggins Airways, which serves destinations like Portland, Augusta, Bangor, and Presque Isle.
Manchester Airport in England offers a range of ground transportation options, including direct trains, coaches, and buses to various locations across the UK. The airport is a 20-minute drive from Manchester city centre and can be accessed via the M56 motorway. Manchester–Boston Regional Airport in the US is served by over 300 trains, 100 coaches, and 500 buses daily, providing connections to Manchester city centre and surrounding areas.
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Airport facilities and amenities
Manchester Airport is served by several airlines, including Ryanair, Air Lingus, Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, easyJet, Emirates, Etihad, TUI, and Virgin Atlantic. The airport is jointly owned by the 10 Greater Manchester councils, with the Manchester council holding a 55% stake and the other nine authorities owning 5% each. It is also policed by the Greater Manchester Police and Manchester Airport Fire Service.
The airport is located 7 miles (11 km) southwest of Manchester city centre and is a 20-minute drive away via the M56 motorway. It comprises a cargo terminal and three passenger terminals, with a £1.3 billion redevelopment programme merging Terminals 1 and 2 in 2025. The airport covers an area of 560 hectares (1,400 acres) and has flights to 199 destinations, making it the third busiest airport in the UK in 2024 in terms of passenger numbers.
Manchester Airport has a range of facilities and amenities to cater to the needs of travellers. The airport recommends arriving three hours before the scheduled departure time, and offers online services for booking parking in advance. Parking discounts are also available through the MHT Horizons program. The airport provides direct trains, coaches, and buses to and from major cities, with over 300 trains, 100 coaches, and 500 buses using the facility daily. Bus services include the 24-hour bus service 43, which runs to Manchester city centre, and the Skyline service 199, which operates to Buxton. National Express and Megabus coach services connect the airport to destinations further afield.
The airport has a World Freight Terminal serving cargo-only freighter services and cargo carried on regular passenger flights. It has a large warehouse and office space, including a chiller unit for frozen products and a border inspection post. There are three aircraft maintenance hangars and five transit sheds operated by different cargo companies. Additionally, Manchester–Boston Regional Airport, informally referred to as Manchester Airport, is located in New Hampshire, United States. It is the busiest airport in the state, with substantial commercial service.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is an international airport in Manchester, England.
The name of the airport is Manchester Airport, although it was initially known as Ringway Airport, a name still in local use.
Manchester Airport is a large and busy airport. In 2024, it was the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom in terms of passengers, serving 30.9 million passengers.
