Manchester airport is looking to attract more long-haul routes after revealing recovery from the pandemic in the first half of the financial year.
The northern hub saw passenger numbers rise to 14.3 million between April and September from 2.7 million in the same period last year.
This came as owner Manchester Airports Group announced that its three airports handled 30.5 million travellers in the period, representing 84% of pre-Covid traffic.
Manchester airport reported that direct long-haul routes from Manchester to destinations including North America, the Middle East and the Caribbean continued to prove popular.
Emirates announced plans in September to recommence a third daily flight to Dubai to its pre-pandemic capacity at Manchester.
This followed Hainan Airlines resuming a service to Beijing.
The airport revealed that it is engaging with airlines to secure the resumption of services to other US destinations, including San Francisco and Boston after three transatlantic routes returned over the summer.
“The airport also has ambitions to introduce other new long-haul routes, including direct services to India, which had been planned prior to the pandemic,” a statement added.
MAG said the group’s positive performance was driven by a rebound in low-cost travel, which at points exceeded 2019 traffic levels, and by direct long-haul routes to North America and the Middle East which have continued to recover on a “positive trajectory” in recent months.
The company added: “MAG’s decision not to impose capacity restrictions on its airlines over the summer period also contributed to the strong performance, allowing carriers to meet strong passenger demand.”
Manchester airport managing director Chris Woodroofe said the half-year results reflect a strong recovery in passenger numbers since travel restrictions were removed earlier this year.
He added: “After a challenging period for our operation at the beginning of the summer season, I am proud of the progress we have made, and continue to make in delivering a positive experience for our passengers.
“Currently 99% of passengers are passing through security in less than 15 minutes, and we are committed to ensuring this level of performance continues over the winter period and into next summer.”