MAG airports boosted by busy autumn half-term travel  

Busy autumn half-term travel helped Manchester Airports Group achieve a record October by handling  5.9 million passengers.

The figure represented an increase of 1.1% year on year, with Manchester airport numbers up 2.3% to 2.9 million and Stansted up by a marginal 0.2% to 2.7 million.

Passenger levels were down by 1.8% to 393,000 at East Midlands, the group’s third airport.

An overall rolling 12-month total of 65.8 million passengers was achieved across the trio of airports, a 2.9% year on year increase.  

Manchester airport marked two full years of record monthly performances in October, with the rolling 12-month total up by 5.1% to reach 31.9 million passengers.  

Stansted’s rolling 12-month total was 29.9 million passengers, a 1.9% increase compared to last year, as it cited an extensive European route network.

MAG hailed a strong operational performance across the month with 99% of passengers passing through security in 15 minutes or less.

The figures compare with Heathrow handling 7.3 million passengers last month.

Stansted managing director Gareth Powell said: “The half-term holidays are always a very busy period at the airport, and this year was no exception as we welcomed even more passengers than ever before.

“Our extensive route network and the great choice of destinations our airline partners are able to offer, plus our reliable service and efficient terminal operations are significant factors for passengers when choosing the airport they fly from.

“To deliver a smooth and consistent airport experience for record-breaking numbers of passengers takes hard work and dedication from all our colleagues, and I’m proud to say we are achieving this aim on a regular basis.”

He added: “Our plans to transform the airport continue to make good progress with work underway to widen the barrier line to the security search area, which will provide will involve more gates as well as an even smoother experience for fast track and assisted travel passengers.

“The security hall also now operates with the latest technology scanners, which will not only improve capacity but also means passengers can leave large electrical items and liquids in their hand baggage, helping to reduce delays and queues by avoiding the need to unpack these items.”