Passenger Numbers Rising Rapidly At Manchester Airport

Over 2 million passengers travelled through the gates at Manchester Airport in May this year as summer moved into full swing, which was over 7% higher than the same time in 2013.

The bumper month saw travellers enjoying two long bank holidays as well as the school half term holidays.

Significantly, May also saw annual passenger numbers break through the Airport’s 21 million target, with Singapore Airlines carrying the 21 millionth passenger from the Northern gateway.

Now, Manchester Airport is confident that it can reach and exceed its all-time peak of 22 million passengers, achieved in 2007 – and is on track to hit this figure in the next 18 months.

Ken O’Toole, chief commercial officer for MAG, owner of Manchester Airport, said: “Reaching the milestone of carrying our 21 millionth passenger has been a significant achievement for us, and is a result of a huge amount of hard work in bringing airlines and passengers back to Manchester.

“We aim to continue that pattern and have already set the conditions for further growth here that will build on what we’ve already achieved.”

The month also saw the inaugural FlyNas to Jeddah flight take-off, along with a brand new American Airlines flight to Charlotte in North Carolina, USA, which is one of the largest hubs in America that connects passengers across North and South America.

Jet2.com also launched its new service to Vienna in Austria, a previously unserved European capital city, which the airport was keen to add to the route network for passengers using Manchester.

O’Toole added: “The new routes launched in May, together with exciting new destinations planned for 2015, will help us win back more passengers here in the North who still do not use Manchester as their departure airport of choice.

“The 22 million mark is our next target, but we are confident that Manchester can continue to deliver growth for the region.”

Having worked in the car rental industry for over 15 years, he really knows his stuff. Rob heads up our marketing department and as a keen traveller, always has a new location to talk about. Particularly if there is a golf course nearby.