Airports In Manchester, England: A Comprehensive Guide

Manchester Airport (IATA: MAN, ICAO: EGCC) is an international airport in Ringway, Manchester, England. It is one of the largest and busiest airports in the UK, located around 7 to 13 miles from Manchester city centre. The airport is owned and managed by the Manchester Airport Group (MAG) and comprises three passenger terminals and one cargo terminal. It offers a range of transportation options, including direct trains, local and regional buses, and parking facilities for those who prefer to drive. Manchester Airport has flights to numerous destinations worldwide and handles a significant number of passengers annually, making it a crucial hub for travel in the region.

Manchester Airport's terminals and facilities

Manchester Airport (IATA: MAN, ICAO: EGCC) is an international airport in Ringway, Manchester, England. It is the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom in terms of passenger numbers, serving 28.1 million passengers in 2023. The airport is made up of three passenger terminals (Terminals 1, 2, and 3) and a cargo terminal. Terminals 1 and 2 are linked by the Skylink, which includes travelators to assist with the 10-15 minute walk, while Terminal 3 can be accessed from Terminal 1 via a covered walkway. The Skylink also connects all terminals to the airport's railway station complex and a nearby hotel. Each terminal has its own layout and facilities, with Terminal 1 being the largest and capable of handling both scheduled and charter flights. It has two piers with 29 stands, and Gate 12 is equipped for the Airbus A380. Terminal 1's current capacity is around 11 million passengers per year, while Terminal 2 has a capacity of about 8 million passengers annually, although this is expected to increase to 25 million after redevelopment. Terminal 3 is the smallest of the three and primarily caters to domestic flights and some international flights.

Manchester Airport offers a range of facilities and services to assist passengers during their time at the airport. Fast Track lanes are available at each security checkpoint in all three terminals for eligible passengers who want to expedite their security screening process. Passport and immigration control are located in each terminal after security, with trained immigration officers on hand to check passports and visas. The airport also provides direct train connections to and from major cities, as well as car parking facilities, taxiways, and coach services to hundreds of locations across the UK. Manchester Airport recommends that passengers arrive at the airport three hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for security and check-in procedures.

The airport has development plans to meet the growing demand for air travel. One such plan, "The Need for Land," outlines several development ideas, including the expansion of aircraft maintenance, vehicle maintenance/storage, and cargo handling facilities. The airport is also undergoing a £1.3 billion redevelopment programme that will merge Terminals 1 and 2 in 2025, further enhancing its capacity to handle the increasing passenger traffic.

Manchester 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. Several aircraft maintenance hangars and transit sheds are operated by companies such as British Airways World Cargo, Swissport Cargo, and Menzies World Cargo. The freight throughput at the airport has been increasing, making Manchester the fourth-busiest UK airport for freight.

Transport to and from Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport (MAN/EGCC) is located just 13 miles south of Manchester city centre and is easily accessible by car, train, Metrolink, bus, coach, or taxi.

The airport has three passenger terminals (Terminals 1, 2 and 3). Terminals 1 and 2 are linked by the skylink, with travelators to assist with the 10-15 minute walk. Terminal 3 is linked to Terminal 1 and the skylink by a covered walkway. The skylink also connects the terminals to the airport railway station complex (known as The Station). The railway station, which opened in 1993, is linked to the terminals by a Skylink moving walkway. Trains operated by Northern, TransPennine Express and Transport for Wales connect the airport to Manchester Piccadilly and other railway stations across the UK.

Manchester Airport is also well-served by a network of local and regional buses, including a 24-hour bus service and a fully accessible bus service to and from the JetParks car parks. The Metrolink is Greater Manchester's tram system and has a stop inside the airport, adjacent to the rail platform. A large number of coach services also operate daily from The Station, the airport's integrated transport hub, to major cities across the UK.

Finally, passengers can also get to and from the airport by taxi or private hire vehicles.

History of Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport (IATA: MAN, ICAO: EGCC) is an international airport in Ringway, Manchester, England. It is 7 miles (or 11 km) southwest of Manchester city centre. In 2022, it was the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom, serving 28.1 million passengers. The airport has a cargo terminal and three passenger terminals.

In 1928, Barton, near Eccles, was chosen as the site of Manchester's new aerodrome. In 1929, Wythenshawe Aerodrome, the first municipally-owned airport in Manchester, was built. However, it was deemed unsuitable for larger aircraft, so in 1930, a new airfield, Barton Aerodrome, was completed.

In 1934, discussions were opened with KLM on a Holland-to-North England service. As Barton Aerodrome was deemed unsuitable for larger aircraft, land at Ringway, south of Manchester, was chosen for a new airport. Construction of the airport in Ringway parish began on 28 November 1935, and the airport was partially operational by June 1937. The airport was completed for civil aviation use in early summer 1938, and on 25 June 1938, it was officially opened as Ringway Airport. During World War II, it was used as a base for the Royal Air Force, known as RAF Ringway, and was important for military aircraft production and training parachutists.

After the war, the base reverted to civilian use and was gradually expanded. In 1946, Air France began operations from Manchester, and in 1953, the airport began 24-hour operations, allowing it to handle 163,000 passengers that year. In 1958, construction began on Terminal 1, the first of Ringway's modern large terminals, which opened in 1962. In 1963, the airport handled its first transatlantic flights, and by 1969, the runway had been extended to 2,745 metres, allowing non-stop flights to Canada.

In 1975, Ringway was officially renamed Manchester International Airport. The airport underwent rapid growth and expansion during the 1980s and 1990s, with Terminal 2 opening in 1993, followed by Terminal 3 in 1996. In 1997, construction began on a second runway, which opened in 2001. In 2000, work started on the Integrated Public Transport Interchange, which opened in 2004, improving connections to major UK cities.

Today, Manchester Airport continues to expand and develop, with a £1.3 billion redevelopment programme planned to merge Terminals 1 and 2 in 2025.

Manchester Airport's ranking in the UK

Manchester Airport (IATA: MAN, ICAO: EGCC) is an international airport in Ringway, Manchester, England, 7 miles (11 km) south-west of Manchester city centre. In 2022, it was the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom in terms of passenger traffic (the busiest outside of London), serving 28.1 million passengers. The airport has three passenger terminals (Terminals 1, 2, and 3) and a cargo terminal. Terminals 1 and 2 are connected by the Skylink, which also links them to the airport's railway station complex. Terminal 3 is connected to Terminal 1 and the Skylink by a covered walkway.

Manchester Airport has undergone significant development and expansion to meet the growing demand for cargo handling and infrastructure. The airport covers an area of 560 hectares (1,400 acres) and offers flights to 199 destinations worldwide, ranking thirteenth globally for total destinations served. It is owned and managed by the Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which also owns Stansted and East Midlands airports.

In terms of accessibility, Manchester Airport has been recognised as one of the top-performing airports in the UK. It offers RoomMate audio descriptions in toilets for visually impaired users and has the highest number of Changing Places toilets among UK airports. The airport also excels in efficient assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, with minimal waiting times for both pre-booked and unbooked services.

However, Manchester Airport has received negative reviews from travellers and has been advised against by some sources. In a survey, the airport's terminals 1 and 3 were ranked at the bottom, while the newly refurbished Terminal 2 was criticised for seating availability and the prices of food and shops. Manchester Airport has also faced challenges with passenger growth, resulting in long queues at check-in, security, and passport control.

Other airports near Manchester, England

Manchester Airport is the closest airport to Manchester, England, located around 7 to 9 miles from the city centre. However, there are several other airports near Manchester, England, that travellers can consider.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport is 27.4 miles from Manchester, with international and domestic flights available. Liverpool Airport is also known by the codes LPL and EGGP.

Leeds Bradford International Airport is approximately 36 miles from Manchester. This airport services international and domestic flights and is identified by the codes LBA and EGNM.

East Midlands Airport, with the codes EMA and EGNX, is 59.2 miles away from Manchester.

Birmingham Airport, also known as BHX, is located 74.5 miles from Manchester.

Additionally, Sheffield City Airport (SZD/EGSY) is 41 miles away, Blackpool International Airport (BLK/EGNH) is 53 miles away, and Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield (DSA/EGCN) is 70 miles from Manchester, England.

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