MAG welcomed over 4 million passengers during November

November 2023 saw more than 4 million passengers pass through Manchester Airports Group’s (MAG) three UK airports, surpassing its pre-pandemic performance from 2019.

Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports, all owned and operated by MAG, saw collective traffic figures surpass pre-pandemic levels for the second month in a row, with November’s figure representing 102% of 2019 levels.

London Stansted served close to 2 million passengers across the month, representing 104% of November 2019 traffic levels. Manchester Airport also surpassed pre-pandemic traffic in November, serving 1.9 million passengers, which represented 102% of 2019 levels. Passenger numbers for both airports were up 7.5% and 13.8% year-on-year respectively. East Midlands Airport welcomed 188,000 passengers, 91% of pre-pandemic performance.

The airport operator is now poised for a busy festive getaway season in the run-up to Christmas. Service levels at all three airports, however, remain high with 100% of passengers passing through security in 15 minutes or less at Manchester and East Midlands Airport, and 98% at London Stansted.

The positive performance was driven by a combination of the strong recovery of short haul, low-cost airlines, the return of key long-haul services and the introduction of new airlines to its airports.

The latest announcement of passenger numbers follows record half-year revenues published by the UK’s largest airport operator.

Commenting on the group’s financial results, MAG CEO Ken O’Toole said:

“These interim results reflect a strong six months for MAG, during which all three of our airports saw a significant increase in passenger volumes at the same time as delivering a good service throughout the summer.

“MAG proudly serves all of the UK, with airports in the North, South and Midlands, and we are committed to providing passengers the length and breadth of the country with access to the places they want to fly to, and with travel options to suit all needs and budgets.

“That is what has underpinned this strong performance, along with the positive relationship we have with our airlines, many of which have increased capacity and added new routes during the period, with several new carriers also welcomed to our airports.