Manchester Airport welcomed more than 3.1 million passengers in September, marking the busiest September in the history of this vital northern gateway.
This impressive milestone underscores the airport’s growing prominence as a key aviation hub for the region.
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, reflected on the month’s achievements.
“At Manchester Airport, we take great pride in connecting the North to the world—and September provided ample reason for that pride. It was an outstanding month, surpassing our previous passenger record once again."
“I eagerly anticipate greeting even more passengers this month and learning of their positive experiences with our upgraded facilities.”
A Modest Yet Significant Growth Over the Previous Record
The figure reflects a 1.4% increase compared to September 2024, which had previously held the record for the busiest September on record.
Such steady growth highlights the sustained confidence that travellers place in Manchester Airport as their preferred departure point.Photo Credit: Manchester Airport
Key Drivers Behind the Exceptional Performance
Several factors contributed to this outstanding month. In particular, a large number of passengers sought late-summer sunshine at destinations where fares in September are notably lower than during the peak season.
At the same time, favourable weather conditions persisted across many popular holiday resorts, enhancing their appeal.
Additionally, the period saw a surge from events such as Oktoberfest in Germany, which drew thousands of visitors.
Furthermore, supporters of football clubs in the North and Midlands travelled to the continent for the start of the European season.
For many of these fans, Manchester Airport provided the most convenient direct flight options to their teams’ matches.
Leading Destinations for Passenger Traffic
The most frequented routes in September were as follows:
On the long-haul front, Orlando emerged as the leading destination, with more than 380,000 passengers embarking on journeys to this iconic Florida city.
Efficiency in Security Processing
Passenger experience remained a priority, as evidenced by the security wait times. Nearly 95% of passengers cleared security in 10 minutes or less, while over 77% experienced waits of under five minutes.
These metrics demonstrate Manchester Airport’s commitment to operational performance and smooth connectivity.
Advancing the Decade-Long Transformation Programme
Manchester Airport is now in the final stages of its comprehensive decade-long transformation programme. As a result, a greater proportion of passengers than ever before departed from the state-of-the-art Terminal 2.
Phase one of the project concluded successfully in 2021, with the opening of a major extension that effectively doubled the terminal’s capacity. This innovative addition has earned the prestigious Prix Versailles award for outstanding architectural design.
Manchester Airport has announced two exciting new routes operating from Terminal 2:Islamabad, Pakistan, served by Pakistan International Airlines.
Delhi, India, operated by IndiGo.
The Delhi service elevates connectivity to India, with nine weekly flights in total—four to Mumbai and five to Delhi.
IndiGo, India’s largest carrier, transported over 118 million passengers last year across its extensive network of more than 90 domestic destinations and 40 international gateways.
Supported by a fleet exceeding 400 aircraft, IndiGo continues to set benchmarks in reliable, high-frequency air travel.
September’s record performance reaffirms Manchester Airport’s position as a dynamic force in global aviation.
With the Terminal 2 transformation nearing completion, travellers can anticipate even greater efficiency, superior facilities, and an ever-expanding route portfolio.
From: aviationsourcenews.com
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, reflected on the month’s achievements.
“At Manchester Airport, we take great pride in connecting the North to the world—and September provided ample reason for that pride. It was an outstanding month, surpassing our previous passenger record once again."
“I eagerly anticipate greeting even more passengers this month and learning of their positive experiences with our upgraded facilities.”
A Modest Yet Significant Growth Over the Previous Record
The figure reflects a 1.4% increase compared to September 2024, which had previously held the record for the busiest September on record.
Such steady growth highlights the sustained confidence that travellers place in Manchester Airport as their preferred departure point.Photo Credit: Manchester Airport
Key Drivers Behind the Exceptional Performance
Several factors contributed to this outstanding month. In particular, a large number of passengers sought late-summer sunshine at destinations where fares in September are notably lower than during the peak season.
At the same time, favourable weather conditions persisted across many popular holiday resorts, enhancing their appeal.
Additionally, the period saw a surge from events such as Oktoberfest in Germany, which drew thousands of visitors.
Furthermore, supporters of football clubs in the North and Midlands travelled to the continent for the start of the European season.
For many of these fans, Manchester Airport provided the most convenient direct flight options to their teams’ matches.
Leading Destinations for Passenger Traffic
The most frequented routes in September were as follows:
On the long-haul front, Orlando emerged as the leading destination, with more than 380,000 passengers embarking on journeys to this iconic Florida city.
Efficiency in Security Processing
Passenger experience remained a priority, as evidenced by the security wait times. Nearly 95% of passengers cleared security in 10 minutes or less, while over 77% experienced waits of under five minutes.
These metrics demonstrate Manchester Airport’s commitment to operational performance and smooth connectivity.
Advancing the Decade-Long Transformation Programme
Manchester Airport is now in the final stages of its comprehensive decade-long transformation programme. As a result, a greater proportion of passengers than ever before departed from the state-of-the-art Terminal 2.
Phase one of the project concluded successfully in 2021, with the opening of a major extension that effectively doubled the terminal’s capacity. This innovative addition has earned the prestigious Prix Versailles award for outstanding architectural design.
In the months since, extensive renovations have brought the original terminal section fully into alignment with the new extension.
Recent openings include enhanced check-in zones, a cutting-edge security hall, an expanded array of retail outlets, dining options, and restaurants. With these developments, the overall project is approaching substantial completion.
Terminal Realignments and Passenger Guidance
In preparation for the imminent closure of Terminal 1, airlines are progressively relocating from Terminals 1 and 3 to the enhanced Terminal 2. Upon full completion, only Ryanair will continue operations from Terminal 3.
To ensure a smooth transition, passengers are strongly advised to verify their assigned terminal directly with their airline prior to travel.
While many travellers may be accustomed to specific terminals based on airline loyalty, these arrangements are subject to change for upcoming journeys.Photo Credit: IndiGo.
Recent openings include enhanced check-in zones, a cutting-edge security hall, an expanded array of retail outlets, dining options, and restaurants. With these developments, the overall project is approaching substantial completion.
Terminal Realignments and Passenger Guidance
In preparation for the imminent closure of Terminal 1, airlines are progressively relocating from Terminals 1 and 3 to the enhanced Terminal 2. Upon full completion, only Ryanair will continue operations from Terminal 3.
To ensure a smooth transition, passengers are strongly advised to verify their assigned terminal directly with their airline prior to travel.
While many travellers may be accustomed to specific terminals based on airline loyalty, these arrangements are subject to change for upcoming journeys.Photo Credit: IndiGo.
Expanding Network
Manchester Airport has announced two exciting new routes operating from Terminal 2:Islamabad, Pakistan, served by Pakistan International Airlines.
Delhi, India, operated by IndiGo.
The Delhi service elevates connectivity to India, with nine weekly flights in total—four to Mumbai and five to Delhi.
IndiGo, India’s largest carrier, transported over 118 million passengers last year across its extensive network of more than 90 domestic destinations and 40 international gateways.
Supported by a fleet exceeding 400 aircraft, IndiGo continues to set benchmarks in reliable, high-frequency air travel.
September’s record performance reaffirms Manchester Airport’s position as a dynamic force in global aviation.
With the Terminal 2 transformation nearing completion, travellers can anticipate even greater efficiency, superior facilities, and an ever-expanding route portfolio.