13.4 C
Manchester
Friday, April 4, 2025
Cost of LivingManchester Airport passes 90% of pre-pandemic traffic in January, as first full...

Manchester Airport passes 90% of pre-pandemic traffic in January, as first full year of restriction-free travel begins

Manchester Airport has made a strong start to 2023, with passenger volumes at more than 90% of those seen pre-pandemic, according to new figures.

MAG, which owns and operates Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports, served 3.6 million passengers in January, with over 1.6m of those passing through the Northern hub.

The figure is more than double the 750,000 or so who travelled through Manchester in January 2022, when the Group served just 37% of pre-pandemic traffic, owing to Omicron testing requirements that remained in place for passengers travelling to and from the UK.

Across MAG, January’s passenger figures were 91% of those seen in the same month in 2019.

Elsewhere, operational performance has continued to be much-improved on last summer, with 92.4% of passengers waiting for 10 minutes or less to pass through security checks last month.

The traffic stats round off a positive month at Manchester Airport, which also announced the final phase of its £1.3bn transformation programme in January. The £440m investment will update the existing Terminal Two infrastructure, to bring it in line with the state-of-the-art extension, which opened to passengers in July 2021.

The investment is set to unlock billions in economic activity and create more than 500 jobs in the construction phase alone. A further 16,400 extra jobs will also be generated by 2040 as a result of the economic activity stimulated by the expansion of the airport and its route network. York Aviation research also shows that the Airport’s current contribution to the Northern economy of £3.5bn could increase by nearly 80%, to £6.3bn by 2040. 

The announcement was welcomed by a broad range of supporters, including the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, and the Aviation Minister, Baroness Vere of Norbiton. 

As part of its initiatives to make its airports as accessible as possible for all passengers, MAG was also proud to announce the creation of its partnership with SignLive, which provides Deaf customers with interpretation in British Sign Language (BSL) when using and contacting its airports.

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, said: “We are delighted to have made such a strong start to 2023, with January’s statistics showing passenger numbers continuing to recover well and operational performance steadily improving.

“The announcement of the second phase of our transformation programme is a major milestone for our airport, and a statement of our intent to deliver on our full potential as the UK’s global gateway in the North.

“We are now fully focused on continuing to improve the passenger experience ahead of what promises to be another busy summer.”

Olivia McHugh
Olivia McHugh
Staff writer
Latest

SYSPRO Research Reveals Strategic ERP Benefits for Mid-Sized Manufacturers and Distributors

SYSPRO has unveiled new insights designed to help executives at mid-sized businesses better understand the advantages of integrating an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. For...

Enviro Waste Management Reveals New Brand Identity with Commercial-Only Focus

Enviro Waste Management has announced a comprehensive rebrand to solidify its position as a dedicated provider of commercial waste services. Having previously offered solutions...

Manchester-Based Tooltap Introduces Community Equipment Rental Platform

A new digital service in Manchester is offering residents affordable access to tools and specialist equipment, eliminating the need for ownership. Tooltap Manchester, a locally...

Manchester launches vision for new national hub for hydrogen

Manchester is placing itself in prime position to become the home of a new national facility that will be central to the UK’s ambition...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Two men arrested in money laundering crackdown

Warrants were carried out yesterday as part of an operation cracking down on money laundering in Greater Manchester. Two men, aged 30 and 25, have...

Leasing an Electric Car Now Costs Less Than a London Travelcard

Drive a Dacia Spring for £112/month via salary sacrifice* TfL Zone 1-2 travelcard priced at £171.70 More affordable than top-tier gym plans and...

Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity raises £40,000 at 2025 Gala Dinner

A night of dinner, dancing and a surprise DJ set from Andy Burnham has raised £40,000 for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity – more than...

SYSPRO Research Reveals Strategic ERP Benefits for Mid-Sized Manufacturers and Distributors

SYSPRO has unveiled new insights designed to help executives at mid-sized businesses better understand the advantages of integrating an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. For...

More News

Road improvement works set for Ashton New Road

Vital resurfacing works are due to take place along Ashton New Road. Improved roads were top of the agenda from residents who were quizzed by...

Belfast Writer Launches Second Edition of The Irish Bucket List

New Insights and Destinations Highlighted in Updated Travel Guide Belfast-born author and travel entrepreneur Stevie Haughey has announced the release of the second edition of...

Top 10 Cars for Ski Holidays Revealed by Turo

Nearly 27% of British skiers plan to drive to European ski resorts this winter. Turo offers ideal vehicles for ski trips, from £52...