Manchester Airports Group ends summer season with record-breaking September

6.2 million passengers travelled through Manchester Airports Group’s (MAG) three UK airports in September, ending the summer season on another record-breaking month for the group.

September also saw MAG – which operates Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports – record a rolling 12-month total of 65.7 million passengers, a 3.2% increase year-on-year.

Manchester Airport served a record 3.1 million passengers across the month, an increase of 1.4% and the most of the three airports in the Group. Its rolling 12-month total stands at 31.8 million passengers, an increase of 5.5% compared to 2024. Manchester Airport also saw an 8.5% year-on-year increase in cargo, with 7,858 tonnes of goods passing through the Northern hub.

The top destinations for September were Amsterdam, Dubai Dublin and Tenerife – with more than a million passengers heading to each. Alicante rounded off the top five. The most popular long-haul destination was Orlando with more than 380,000 people flying there.

Over the course of the month almost 95% of passengers waited for 10 minutes or less to get to security while over 77% waited for under five minutes.

Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said:

“Here at Manchester Airport, we say we’re proud to connect the North to the world – and last month we saw plenty to be proud of.

“September was a great month – yet another passenger record. I’m proud that we’ve been able to deliver great service for our passengers too, with the vast majority barely waiting to get to security.

“It’s been really exciting to see more and more passengers using our new Terminal 2 – and it’s been good to hear their glowing feedback as it really is a fantastic facility.

“As we put the finishing touches to the new terminal, we’re moving more airlines over from their old homes in Terminals 1 and 3. Passengers will enjoy the new facilities – but we want to remind people due to travel to make sure they check which terminal they’re due to fly from.

“We know many of our passengers are loyal to particular airlines and will be used to flying from a certain terminal but the next time they head away that may not be the case.

“We’ll have plenty of staff available during the transition period and beyond so they will be on hand to help. I’m looking forward to welcoming more passengers this month and hearing about how much they’ve enjoyed our new facilities”   

London Stansted’s rolling 12-month total increased by 2.2% to 29.9 million passengers. The airport also saw 2.7 million passengers through its terminal in September, a slight decrease of 0.1% year-on-year. 

East Midlands Airport welcomed more than 448,000 passengers in September, a decrease of 8.0% year-on-year. The rolling 12-month total saw 3.9 million passengers pass through the airport, a decrease of 6.4% compared to 2024.  

Operational performance remained strong throughout the period with 99% of passengers passing through security in 15 minutes or less at East Midlands Airport and London Stansted.