More than 1.5million passengers are expected to pass through the airport over the Christmas break
Manchester Airport is preparing for its busiest Christmas on record (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Manchester Airport is preparing for its ‘biggest Christmas yet’ with more than 1.5million passengers due to pass through the travel hub over the Christmas break from December 19 to January 4. This will be the airport’s biggest Christmas on record.
The weekends surrounding the big day itself are set to the busiest travel days. Over 100,000 passengers are expected to fly on both Friday, December 19 and Sunday December 28, as people jet off for the festive period and for New Year.
If you think it would be quiet on December 25 then think again: there will be 85 departures on Christmas day with almost 35,000 passengers expected to fly into or out of the airport. Dubai will be the most popular destination that day, with more than 1,500 people heading there.
The bumper Christmas period follows the airport’s busiest November on record. Last month 2.2million passengers flew into or out of the airport, a four per cent increase on the previous November record set last year. Over the course of the month 96per cent of passengers waited for 10 minutes or under to get to security and 99per cent waited for under 15 minutes.
While some passengers will be jetting off on holiday, the airport arrivals will be a place where loved ones reuinte over the festive period (Image: Manchester Evening News)
The majority of passengers this Christmas will use Manchester Airport’s brand new, £1.3bn Terminal 2. Over the last few months airlines have been moving over the new facility so now all but Ryanair will operate from it.
Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said: “Christmas is one of the most exciting times of year to work here at Manchester Airport. I love walking through arrivals, watching those special ‘Love Actually’ moments, and seeing the departure lounge full of excited faces.
“It’s the kind of thing that really epitomises what we mean when we say we’re proud to connect the North to the world – when I see those scenes I feel a personal pride in the part I’ve played and I know that’s shared by everyone who works here. This year is set to be even busier than last, with 1.5million passengers due to fly in the two-week Christmas period. With all our work in preparation, I feel confident that they will get a great service.
More than 1.5million passengers are expected to fly over the festive period (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
“Our new Terminal 2 is almost fully open, meaning more passengers can benefit from everything it has to offer – from the extra space and the high-tech security equipment to the shopping, bars and restaurants in the departure lounge. It really is a terminal to rival any in capital cities across Europe. And people using Terminal 3 will see the first signs of change as we improve and expand that too.
“Of course, there are always things people can do to make sure their passage through the airport is smooth – including the simple things like checking-in ahead of time and packing smart, but also things like remembering not to take wrapped presents through security. You want your presents to be opened by your loved ones, not our security staff! On behalf of all my colleagues at Manchester Airport, I’d like to wish all our passengers a very happy Christmas and a brilliant 2026 – we look forward to welcoming you.”
Tips for passengers flying during the festive season
- Make sure you pack smart and roll your clothes to save space. If you’re heading somewhere warm make sure you have one outfit suitable for Manchester’s weather – ideally the one you travel in
- Don’t take wrapped presents through security
- Plan your journey to the airport carefully as travelling in winter is more prone to disruption and consider using public transport if you’re able to
- Check which terminal you’re flying from: all airlines will use Terminal 2, except for Ryanair. These passengers will need to follow signs to Terminal 1 departures A
- Check-in online before you leave and if your airline offers night-before bag drop consider using it
- Although the airport has new scanners in force across all security lanes, you still need to stick to the 100ml limit on hand luggage liquids. There are exceptions for medicines and baby milk
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