Manchester Airport Congestion Management Plans

Manchester Airport has confirmed further details of plans to tackle congestion in the areas directly outside its terminals.

In March, it was announced a forecourt management plan was being introduced, including the creation of a new drop-off zone, from where passengers will be transferred to all of its terminals free of charge.

Those still wanting to be dropped-off directly outside the terminal buildings - and airport station - will still be able to do so, but will be charged £3 for five minutes and £4 for 10. There is no change to arrangements for picking people up, with those collecting passengers asked to park in the car parks at each terminal (£4 for 30 minutes).

Since announcing the plans, Manchester Airport has been listening to feedback and engaging with a range of interest groups as it finalises plans for the introduction of the system.

Today, it has confirmed arrangements for passengers with reduced mobility, local users of the airport station and commercial operators, such as private hire taxi firms. An exact date in June for the system being introduced is still to be confirmed but will be communicated in advance.

Having liaised with disability groups and looked at similar schemes across the UK, the airport has confirmed Blue Badge holders will be able to drop-off outside the terminals free of charge.

Non-Blue Badge holders who have booked special assistance can use the free drop-off site, where there will be a dedicated help point to communicate with the airport’s assistance provider OCS. All buses travelling to and from the terminals from this location are wheelchair accessible.

A discount scheme will also be set up for commercial private hire operators who are frequent users of the airport.

Tricia Williams, COO of Manchester Airport, said:“It became clear we had to take a more proactive approach to managing this (extreme congestion), as Manchester Airport continues to grow, which is why we are introducing a forecourt management system, including a dedicated free site for people to be dropped-off at.

“We will announce any further details, including the exact date the system will be introduced, at the earliest opportunity.”