Manchester airport (MAN)

Manchester Airport (MAN), opened on 25 June 1938, is the United Kingdom’s main air hub outside the London area. It serves as a key gateway to the north of England, operating an extensive network of domestic and international flights connecting destinations across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Official Website: manchesterairport.co.uk

Telephone: +44 808 169 7030

Social Media:

Terminals

Following the completion of the airport’s Transformation Programme and the permanent closure of Terminal 1 in 2025, the airport currently operates with two main terminals open 24 hours a day, connected by the covered walkway system known as Skylink:

• Terminal 2: Recently expanded and modernised, it operates as the main hub for international and long-haul flights.
• Terminal 3: Primarily dedicated to domestic flights and low-cost airline operations.

Annual Traffic (2025): 32.1 million passengers.

Information Points

Information and assistance desks are available in the departures and arrivals areas of Terminals 2 and 3. In addition, airport staff (“Airport Ambassadors”), identifiable by their bright uniforms, circulate throughout the terminals to provide personalised assistance to travellers.

 Location

The airport is located in the parish of Ringway, 11 km (7 miles) south-west of Manchester city centre.

Parking services at Manchester airport (MAN)

The airport offers a wide range of parking options designed to suit different needs and budgets. All official car parks provide 24-hour security, regular patrols, and have been awarded the Park Mark accreditation.

Multi-Storey and Short Stay

Located immediately next to the terminals, these multi-storey car parks are the most convenient option for short stays or business trips. Access to the check-in areas is on foot and takes just a few minutes via covered walkways.

Additional benefit: When booking official Multi-Storey parking, many rates include complimentary Security FastTrack passes, allowing quicker access through security.

Long Stay and JetParks

For longer trips, these options offer more economical rates and are located further away from the main terminal buildings:

• Long Stay: Secure car parks with free shuttle bus services operating 24 hours a day, connecting to the terminals in approximately 5–10 minutes.
• JetParks: The most economical option, ideal for one- or two-week holidays. Advance booking is mandatory, and shuttle buses operate every 15 minutes.

Drop & Go and Meet & Greet

Premium valet parking services offering maximum convenience. In the Drop & Go area, you simply leave your vehicle in a designated bay, hand in the keys at the kiosk, and staff will park it in a secure area, allowing you to walk directly to the terminal.

Passenger Drop-off and Pick-up

There are two main options for dropping off or picking up passengers:

• Express Drop-off: Located directly outside the terminals. This is a paid, quick-stop service designed for short stays.
• Free Drop-off: The airport offers a free option at JetParks 1. From there, passengers can take a free 5-minute shuttle bus to the terminals.
• Pick-up: Must be carried out in the Multi-Storey car parks, as waiting is not permitted in the terminal drop-off areas.

Bookings: It is recommended to book in advance via the official website to guarantee a space and benefit from significant discounts.

Check rates and book parking

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Manchester Airport offers a comprehensive range of services to ensure accessibility for all travellers. It is essential that, if you require assistance, you request it from your airline or travel agency at least 48 hours before your flight. Upon arrival at the airport, you should proceed to one of the designated assistance points.

Contact and Assistance Points

Assistance call points are located at key areas, including the multi-storey car parks, the transport interchange The Station and the main entrances to the terminals. These points allow you to contact the assistance team directly to coordinate your transfer.

Accessible Facilities

• Mobility: The airport is equipped with ramps, lifts and moving walkways to facilitate movement. Wheelchairs are available for use within the terminals.
• Toilets: In addition to standard accessible toilets, the airport provides Changing Places facilities in both terminals, featuring additional space, height-adjustable changing benches and hoist systems for passengers with complex needs.
• Parking: Designated parking spaces for Blue Badge holders are available in all official car parks.
• Hearing loops: Available at information desks and check-in areas for passengers with hearing impairments.

Hidden Disabilities and Autism

The airport participates in the Sunflower Lanyard programme. If you have a non-visible disability, such as autism, dementia or hearing loss, you can request this lanyard at the assistance desks. It signals to staff that you may require additional time or specific support.

Sensory Room: Terminal 2 features a “Sensory Room” (Sunflower Room), designed to provide a calm and relaxing space away from the noise and stress of the airport environment.

Accessible Transport

All transport services within the airport, including the shuttle buses connecting to the Car Rental Village and long-stay car parks, are wheelchair accessible. In addition, trains, trams and most buses operating at The Station are equipped with ramps or level-access platforms.