Lois Larson
Manchester Airport is an international airport located in Ringway, Manchester, England, about 7-8 miles southwest of Manchester city centre. The airport is situated in the county of Cheshire, on the south side of the Manchester conurbation, adjoining the countryside. With a long history dating back to its opening in June 1938, Manchester Airport has undergone significant developments, including the addition of a second runway in 2001, and it continues to be a vital transport hub for the region.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Ringway, Manchester, England |
| Distance from Manchester City Centre | 7-7.5 miles |
| Year of Opening | 1938 |
| Owner | Manchester Airports Group (MAG) |
| Number of Terminals | 3 |
| Area Covered | 560 hectares (1,400 acres) |
| Number of Destinations | 199 |
| Number of Passengers (2024) | 30.9 million |
| Cargo Facility | World Freight Terminal |
| Awards | Best UK Airport |
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What You'll Learn
Manchester Airport's location in Ringway, Manchester, England
Manchester Airport is located in Ringway, Manchester, England, 7.5 nautical miles (or 13.9 km) south-west of Manchester city centre. The airport, which was officially opened on 25 June 1938, was initially known as Ringway Airport, a name that is still used locally. During World War II, it served as a base for the Royal Air Force and was called RAF Ringway.
The airport is owned and managed by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), a group owned by the ten metropolitan borough councils of Greater Manchester. MAG is the largest airport group in the UK, also owning and operating London Stansted and East Midlands airports. Manchester Airport has won awards for its customer service and holds the title of 'Best UK Airport'.
Manchester Airport is a busy hub, serving 30.9 million passengers in 2024, making it the third busiest airport in the UK and the 19th busiest in Europe that year. It offers flights to 199 destinations globally, ranking 13th worldwide for total destinations served. The airport covers a vast area of 560 hectares (1,400 acres) and features a cargo terminal and three passenger terminals.
The airport has undergone significant development over the years, including the addition of a second runway in 2001, which was constructed near the village of Styal in Cheshire. Manchester Airport is well-connected to surrounding areas, with direct trains to and from major cities and a Metrolink tramway providing transport to and from the city centre.
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Manchester Airport's second runway
Manchester Airport is located in Ringway, Manchester, England, 7 miles southwest of Manchester city centre. The airport is owned and managed by the Manchester Airport Group (MAG), which is in turn owned by the ten metropolitan borough councils of Greater Manchester. Manchester Airport is the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom in terms of passenger traffic, serving 30.9 million passengers in 2024.
Manchester Airport has two runways. The original main runway opened on 17 May 1937 when the airport was used as an RAF base and a military aircraft assembly centre. It was extended in stages, reaching its current length in 1981 to attract long-haul international traffic.
As demand and aircraft movements increased in the mid-1990s, the airport began considering the option of a second full-length runway. Plans for a second runway were first discussed in 1991, with a public inquiry getting underway in July 1996. The proposal faced significant opposition from local groups and environmentalists concerned about the impact on ancient woodland in the Bollin Valley and natural habitats in nearby Styal. Despite the protests, planning permission for the second runway was approved in January 1997, with construction starting the same year.
The second runway, initially designated 06R/24L, became operational on 5 February 2001, at a cost of £172 million. It was the first full-length commercial runway to open in Britain in over 20 years. The project included the construction of a new fire station and substantial land re-profiling on the south side adjoining a country park.
The opening of the second runway was a significant development for Manchester Airport, enabling it to handle increased air traffic and contributing to its growth as one of the busiest airports in the United Kingdom.
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Manchester Airport's terminals
Manchester Airport, located in the county of Cheshire, has three passenger terminals designated T1, T2, and T3. The terminals opened in 1962, 1993, and 1989, respectively, and have since undergone significant modifications. T1, the second-largest terminal, serves as a base for easyJet and has two piers with a total of 29 stands, including 15 air bridge gates. One of these, Gate 12, has been adapted to accommodate the Airbus A380. Terminal 1 also underwent a £50 million overhaul that was completed in July 2009, expanding retail and catering facilities and increasing security throughput.
Terminal 2, which opened in 1993, has also seen recent developments, with the first phase of its extension completed in 2019 and the second phase in 2021. Terminal 3, the oldest of the three, includes what was formerly known as Terminal A, opened in 1989 by Princess Diana. Terminal 3 will be the focus of low-cost, short-haul airlines once the merger of Terminals 1 and 2 is completed in 2025 as part of a £1.3 billion redevelopment programme.
The airport also has a cargo terminal, the "World Freight Terminal," which handles many scheduled services from the Far East. In addition, there are two lounges and a private terminal available for booking. The airport's railway station, known as "The Station," is located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and offers convenient connections to bus, coach, and rail services. The station has covered walkways to all terminals and is served by several train operators, providing links to destinations throughout Northern England.
Manchester Airport provides a range of dining and shopping options, including cafes, takeaways, bars, and family-friendly restaurants, as well as Duty-Free shops offering high-end fashion and spirits. The airport is easily accessible by car, coach, or public transport, with direct trains to and from major cities running seven days a week.
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Manchester Airport's ownership
Manchester Airport is owned and managed by the Manchester Airports Group (MAG), a group owned by the ten metropolitan borough councils of Greater Manchester, and Australian investment fund IFM Investors. Manchester Airport has been in public ownership since it opened in 1938.
MAG is the UK's largest airports group, owning and operating three UK airports: Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands. The group also owns the digital travel services business, CAVU. In the 2023/24 financial year, 61.3 million passengers used MAG airports. Manchester Airports Holdings Limited (MAHL) serves as the parent company and holding entity, while Manchester Airport Group Investments Limited (MAGIL) functions as the main operating company, directly owning and managing the group's airports and related businesses.
The ten metropolitan boroughs of Greater Manchester have varying stakes in the company. Manchester City Council holds the largest stake at 35.5%, while the remaining nine councils hold a total of 29%. IFM Investors own a 35.5% stake in MAG. The group has its registered office at Manchester Town Hall and is managed privately on behalf of its shareholders.
MAG is focused on creating a sustainable future for travel and has set ambitious goals to achieve net-zero carbon operations at its airports by 2038, 12 years ahead of the national target. The group is also investing in its airports to launch new routes and improve the passenger experience.
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Manchester Airport's history
Manchester Airport is located in Ringway, Manchester, England, in the county of Cheshire. It is about 7 miles southwest of Manchester city centre.
The airport was officially opened on 25 June 1938 and was initially known as Ringway Airport, a name that is still used locally. The site for the airport was chosen in mid-1934 as Barton Aerodrome was deemed unsuitable for larger aircraft. Construction began on 28 November 1935 and the original main runway opened on 17 May 1937 when the airport was used as an RAF base and a military aircraft assembly centre. During World War II, it served as a base for the Royal Air Force.
In 1946, No. 613 Squadron RAF (City of Manchester Squadron) had its home base at RAF Ringway. In 1951, a Dakota 3 cargo aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from the runway, resulting in four fatalities. The investigation attributed the crash to the formation of ice in the carburettor intakes due to the captain's failure to use the heat controls.
Terminal 1, the airport's first purpose-built post-war terminal, was opened in late 1962. Manchester was then the only airport in Europe to have aircraft piers. Terminal 2 was opened in 1993, and Terminal 3 in 1989. The airport's second runway, constructed near the village of Styal in Cheshire, became operational in February 2001, making Manchester the only airport outside of London with two full-length runways.
In 2013, Manchester Airport celebrated its 75th anniversary and a new air traffic control tower was completed. The airport has continued to undergo expansions and improvements, including the redevelopment of Terminals 1 and 2, to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and maintain its status as one of the busiest airports in the United Kingdom and Europe.
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Frequently asked questions
Manchester Airport is in the county of Cheshire.
Manchester Airport is in Ringway, Manchester, England.
Manchester Airport is approximately 7-8 miles from Manchester City Centre.
Manchester Airport opened in June 1938.
Manchester Airport has three passenger terminals and one cargo terminal.
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