Lois Larson
Manchester Airport is an international airport located in Ringway, Manchester, England, United Kingdom. It is 7 miles (11 km) southwest of Manchester city centre. The airport initially opened as Ringway Airport in 1938 and was used as an RAF base and a military aircraft assembly centre. It is currently the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom and has flights to 199 destinations worldwide.
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What You'll Learn
Manchester Airport's location and transport links
Manchester Airport is located in Ringway, Manchester, England, just 7 miles (11 km) south-west of Manchester city centre. The airport is easily accessible by car from the M56, which connects it to the rest of the country. Manchester Airport has excellent transport links to and from the city centre, including trains, buses, trams, coaches, taxis, and private hire vehicles.
The airport has its own railway station, located in the heart of the airport complex, with Skylinks connecting all three terminals to the upper level of the station. There are regular train services to and from Manchester Piccadilly and Preston, with 8-10 trains per hour during the day and 4 trains per hour on Sundays. Buying tickets in advance can save passengers up to 43% on the regular fare. Trains are operated by TransPennine Express and Northern Rail, and the journey is temperature-controlled and comfortable, with luggage storage space, free WiFi, and comfortable seats.
For those travelling by bus, the Stagecoach bus service runs 24/7 from the airport to Manchester city centre, with multiple stops along the way. Passengers can board the bus from the train station at Manchester Airport, which is a 5- to 10-minute walk from all three terminals via the Sky Link tunnel. Tickets cost £2 and payment can be made to the driver in cash or by card. However, it is important to note that there is limited luggage storage space on the buses.
In addition to trains and buses, Manchester Airport is also served by the Manchester Metrolink tramway, which provides a direct route to the city centre. Taxi services are also available, with over 500 taxi companies serving the airport and offering competitive rates. National Express operates an extensive network of coach services to and from all three terminals, providing connections to destinations across the UK.
Manchester Airport is owned and managed by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which also owns and operates London Stansted and East Midlands airports. MAG is owned by the ten metropolitan borough councils of Greater Manchester. The airport has a rich history, initially serving as an RAF base and a military aircraft assembly centre during World War II. It has since expanded to include three passenger terminals and a cargo terminal, covering an area of 560 hectares (1,400 acres).
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The airport's history and ownership
Manchester Airport is located in Ringway, Manchester, England, seven miles southwest of Manchester city centre. The airport is owned and managed by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), a group owned by the ten metropolitan borough councils of Greater Manchester. Manchester Airport is part of the Manchester Airports Group umbrella, which also includes London Stansted and East Midlands airports.
The airport's history dates back to the 1930s. In 1928, Barton, near Eccles, was chosen as the site of Manchester's new aerodrome, and a temporary airfield was built in Wythenshawe. However, it was soon deemed unsuitable for larger aircraft, and so land at Ringway was selected for a new airport. Construction of Manchester Airport (then known as Ringway Airport) began on 28 November 1935, and it was partially operational by June 1937, with its official opening taking place on 25 June 1938. During World War II, the airport served as RAF Ringway, playing an important role in military aircraft production and the training of parachutists.
In the post-war years, the airport reverted to civilian use and gradually expanded. Manchester Airport became the second busiest airport in Britain, after Heathrow, by the 1960s. The airport began 24-hour operations in 1953, and in 1963, it saw the launch of the first transatlantic flights originating from Manchester. The runway was extended in 1969, and in 1971, the airport handled over 2 million passengers in a year.
The airport underwent significant growth and expansion during the 1980s and 1990s. Terminal A (now part of Terminal 3) was opened by Princess Diana in 1989, and Terminal 2 was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1993. The airport celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2013, and in 2024, it was the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom, serving 30.9 million passengers. Today, Manchester Airport continues to be a major aviation hub, offering flights to 199 destinations worldwide.
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Terminals, runways and extensions
Manchester Airport is located in Ringway, Manchester, England, 7 miles (11 km) southwest of Manchester city centre. It is owned and managed by the Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which is owned by the ten metropolitan borough councils of Greater Manchester. The airport has three passenger terminals and one cargo terminal. However, a redevelopment programme will merge Terminals 1 and 2 in 2025, reducing the number of passenger terminals to two.
The original main runway, initially designated 06/24, opened on 17 May 1937, when the airport served as an RAF base and a military aircraft assembly centre. It has since been extended multiple times, with its current length reached in 1981. A second runway, designated 06R/24L, was constructed in 2001 at a cost of £172 million. It was the first full-length commercial runway to open in Britain in over two decades.
Manchester Airport has undergone several extensions and transformations over the years. The airport celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2013, marking the completion of the new air traffic control tower. The first phase of the Terminal 2 extension was completed in 2019, with Pier 1 opening on 1 April. The Arrivals Hall will also be refurbished, providing seven new eateries and shops. The airport has also published a Master Plan outlining proposed expansions until 2030, including the demolition of older buildings to make way for a new apron and taxiway towards runway 05L/23R and an eastward extension of Terminal 2.
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Awards and recognition
Manchester Airport, located in Ringway, Manchester, England, has received numerous awards and recognition for its excellence in various areas.
The airport has been recognised for its outstanding customer service, winning the prestigious title of 'Best UK Airport' by Manchester Airports Group Plc (MAG). MAG, the largest airport group in the UK, owns and operates Manchester Airport, among other popular and award-winning airports.
In 2019, Manchester Airport received a top international tourism award in Shanghai. The airport won a gold award for its overall performance at the Chinese Tourist Welcome Awards, organised by the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI). This recognition was attributed to the airport's Chinese New Year campaign, celebrating the Year of the Pig. The airport's efforts to welcome Chinese passengers through the Northern gateway were particularly commended, with a 38% increase in Chinese visitors to the North since the launch of direct flights to China.
The airport's special assistance team has also been recognised for its exceptional work. The team received the top prize from ABM, a company that provides Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM) services across the UK. The Manchester PRM team was chosen from 40 nominees and recognised for its outstanding achievements, including meeting an impressive 98% of its pre-booked passengers with reduced mobility within 10 minutes of their arrival.
Additionally, Manchester Airport has received the Digital Transformation Award for its digital air traffic control tower from Airports Council International (ACI EUROPE) Best Airport Awards.
The airport has also been ranked highly in surveys, such as the Which? survey of UK Best and Worst Airports, where it placed joint 3rd overall and was the only airport outside of London in the national Top 5.
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Passenger numbers and statistics
Manchester Airport, located in Ringway, Manchester, England, has experienced significant growth and expansion over the years, solidifying its position as a major aviation hub. In 2024, it was ranked as the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom and the 19th busiest airport in Europe, handling 30.9 million passengers. This marked a significant recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw passenger numbers drop drastically in 2020.
The airport's growth trajectory has been evident since the 1980s and 1990s, with continuous development and expansion projects. In 1987, the airport surpassed a milestone, handling one million passengers per month for the first time. This growth spurred expansion plans, including the construction of new terminals, with Terminal A (now part of Terminal 3) opened by Princess Diana in 1989, and Terminal 2 inaugurated by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1993.
Manchester Airport's appeal is further enhanced by its extensive route network, offering flights to 199 destinations across four continents. This connectivity has attracted numerous airlines, with 49 airlines currently operating from the airport. The airport's cargo facility, the World Freight Terminal, is also a significant contributor, handling around 100,000 tonnes of import and export freight and mail annually.
The airport's popularity is reflected in the high passenger numbers. In 2023, it served 25 million passengers, and in the past year, it added several new routes, including Shanghai, Las Vegas, and Casablanca. This increase in routes and connectivity has not only benefited travellers but also boosted the region's economy and attracted international investments.
Manchester Airport is currently undergoing a £1.3 billion transformation programme, which includes the expansion of Terminal 2 and the closure of Terminal 1. This project is expected to be completed in 2025, further enhancing the airport's capacity and improving the overall passenger experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Manchester Airport is in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom.
Manchester Airport is approximately 7-8 miles (11-14 km) southwest of Manchester City Centre.
Manchester Airport was initially known as Ringway Airport, named after the Ringway parish where it was constructed.
Construction of the airport began on 28 November 1935 and it was partially opened in June 1937. The airport was fully completed and opened on 25 June 1938.
Manchester Airport is owned and managed by the Manchester Airports Group (MAG), a holding company owned by the Australian finance house IFM Investors and the ten metropolitan borough councils of Greater Manchester.
