Manchester Airport records 32 million passengers in 2025

A record-breaking 2.4 million passengers flew through Manchester Airport in December 2025, taking the hub to a total of 32 million passengers for 2025 for the first time.

In total 32,088,626 passengers flew into or out of Manchester Airport in 2025 – up 4% on 2024 and cementing Manchester Airport’s place as the third biggest in the UK, behind only Heathrow and Gatwick.

The vast majority of those passengers flew from the airport’s brand-new, £1.3 billion Terminal 2, which is now almost fully complete meaning December’s passengers were the first to experience several key new elements.

Last month saw the opening of the full footprint of the new terminal – that included opening a whole new route from security through a new, second World Duty Free store and into the airport’s new Boutique Mall – which will be home to high-end shops, a cocktail bar and more.

The additional space helped make sure the month’s passengers got a great experience at the airport – with 94% waiting for 10 minutes or less to get to security, and almost three quarters waiting five minutes or less.

The record-breaking December was also boosted by the airport’s busiest ever Christmas break. Over a million passengers flew between December 19, when most schools broke up, and the end of the month.

Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said:

“Here at Manchester Airport, we’re proud to connect the North to the world – so the fact we were able to serve a record-breaking 32m passengers in 2025 is great news.

“But it’s not just about numbers – it’s about giving those passengers the best possible experience so they can start their holidays right here at the airport.

“That’s why I’m particularly proud that we were able to provide a brilliant service to our passengers with the vast majority of them barely waiting to get to security so they could be relaxing in our departure lounges more quickly.

“Once there, passengers in Terminal 2 will have noticed some big differences. The full footprint of the Terminal is now open including extra space as well as new shops and eateries. There’s still more to follow in the early part of this year too.

“That alone means it would be an exciting 2026 as we put those final touches on Terminal 2 – but we’re also going to be really getting stuck into the improvement work we’re doing in Terminal 3 as well, which will bring more space and new shops, bars and restaurants.

“We’ve got another epic year ahead and I’m looking forward to breaking more records so we can welcome even more passengers to the UK’s global gateway in the North.”