Bumper half term predicted for Manchester Airport as travel testing restrictions ease

Manchester Airport is preparing for a busy February Half Term, with most Covid-19 restrictions dropped for fully-vaccinated travellers from Friday 11 February.

More than 600,000 passengers are set to fly through during the school holidays, and Manchester Airport is also launching a major recruitment drive as holidaymakers set to take to the skies once again after the easing of pandemic measures. While restrictions have been relaxed in the UK, passengers are reminded to check the rules for the country they are going to, and be prepared for their airport journey.

Karen Smart, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said:

“After nearly two years of restrictions on travel, couples and families alike are finally free to take a holiday abroad without having to worry about expensive tests or the risk of getting stuck in another country. We anticipate a very busy Half Term, but we are excited to welcome so many people back to our airport.

“We are also aware that for many of those travelling through Manchester Airport, it will be the first time they’ve done so since before the pandemic, so we encourage passengers to make sure they’re fully prepared.”

The relaxation of travel rules has seen demand for travel soar at Manchester Airport, and at other airports owned and operated by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Stansted and East Midlands.

MAG is expecting to welcome nearly 1.5 million passengers between 11 – 27 February, compared to only 73,000 over the same period in 2021. The total airline seat capacity across MAG’s airports is around 20% higher for February and March than January.

MAG CEO Charlie Cornish said:

“It’s great that passengers are clearly feeling more confident as we go into February half term, and we expect our airports to be busier than we have seen in recent months.

“We welcomed the Government’s decision to reintroduce restriction-free travel in time for the holidays. Airlines are now putting on more seats and there’s a real sense of excitement for travel as we head into the summer season.

“Our strong recovery means we are looking to recruit all sorts of roles across our airports. With our terminals filling with passengers again, this is a fantastic time to consider a job in aviation.”

Looking further ahead, MAG anticipates consumer confidence will continue to improve. The Group is preparing to handle passenger volumes close to pre-pandemic levels as the recovery strengthens over the summer season.

Passenger figures for January – released by MAG today – show how testing measures introduced in response to the Omicron variant weakened demand for international travel. January passenger volumes were down 63.1% on the same month in 2019, which was significantly quieter than the recovery seen in Autumn 2021. However, passenger numbers bounced back quickly in the days following the Government’s announcement on 24 January and continue to build as half-term holidays approach.

If you are heading off for a break this Half Term there are a number of things you can do to ensure your journey from Manchester Airport goes smoothly:

• Ensure products in your hand luggage containing liquids, gels or pastes are in a clear, resealable bag and don’t exceed 100ml each. This includes, among other things, perfume, aftershave, make-up, beverages and condiments such as jams and butter
• If in doubt about any particular items, pack them in your checked hold luggage, rather than in hand luggage
• Take off coats / jackets and other winter wear before reaching security to help save time
• If you or someone in your party has reduced mobility, book any airline assistance you require in advance to avoid delays
• Have all your required documentation to hand and ensure that you have read all relevant government travel advice before your journey.
• When returning to the UK, ensure you have all relevant documentation to hand required at the border, including your passenger locator form. If you are not fully vaccinated you may also need to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test and a booked post-arrival PCR test.