*Last updated on: 28 May 2021

COVID-19 Safety Measures at Manchester Airport

Passengers departing from Manchester Airport should prepare themselves for the additional measures in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Extra cleaning, temperature screening, social distancing measures and protective screens are all part of the COVID-19 safety measures at Manchester Airport. Passengers should familiarize themselves with all the additional measures before they travel.

What airport measures are currently in place for travellers departing Manchester?

Where possible, passengers are encouraged to check-in online as soon as they are able to do so, as this will avoid additional queuing at the airport. Manchester Airport currently has reduced car park availability. Those arriving by car should check which car parks are open before they arrive, and then follow the signs to find the correct parking area. As there is no overnight access to the terminal building, passengers are asked to arrive no earlier than two to three hours prior to their flight departure. Anyone who is self-isolating or has symptoms of COVID-19 are asked NOT to travel to the airport. Only passengers with a flight booking are allowed into the airport building, unless they require special assistance. Where possible passengers are encouraged to pre-book a time slot at security, which will help maintain social distancing and reduce queuing.

What airport measures are currently in place for travellers upon arrival in Manchester?

No waiting is allowed anywhere in the terminal building. This means that passengers who are being picked up will need to make an arrangement to meet the person collecting them in the car park. Those entering or returning to the United Kingdom from abroad should consult the current UK government guidelines at the border control. These guidelines are regularly updated and contain all the latest information about quarantine and additional screening for UK arrivals. Those arriving in the UK should also check what the current restrictions are in the Greater Manchester area.

What about face masks and social distancing?

Masks are mandatory in all areas of the airport, including the car parks and airport shuttle services. Passengers should ensure they arrive at the airport with a mask. Additional face masks are available to buy at the airport. The only time that passengers will be asked to remove their mask is when talking to Border Force Officers or going through the electronic passport gate. Social distancing protocols are in place in throughout the airport. This includes queuing systems which are in place wherever queues occur, including check-in, security, retail outlets and the boarding gates. Passengers will find signage and floor markings to help with both the direction of the queue and where to stand, ensuring travellers can always remain two metres from other people at all times. There are also floor markings at baggage collection to help passengers remain distanced from others. Passengers are asked only to approach the baggage carousel when they can see their luggage. To help with social distancing there is also less seating available in the Departure Lounge. Protective screens are also in place in numerous locations across the airport, including security and check-in desks.

Are dining and shopping facilities open as usual?

There are currently reduced retail and dining venues open at the airport, although passengers will find at least one dining/takeaway outlet open at each terminal. Check the Manchester Airport website for more information about which dining and retail outlets are currently open. Alcoholic drinks are only available with a meal and are not served from 11:00 pm - 5:00 am. The airport's "Click and Collect" retail service is not currently available.

How often is the facility being cleaned?

Manchester Airport currently has an enhanced cleaning protocol as part of its COVID-19 safety measures. Communal surfaces such as door handles, lifts and handrails are cleaned frequently with Citrox. Manchester Airport is also trialing the use of UV cleaning technology on escalator handrails. Airport wheelchairs for those requiring special assistance are thoroughly cleaned after each use. Hand sanitiser stations are available throughout the airport.

Are there any screening or PCR testing facilities available?

Manchester Airport is offering a number of COVID-19 testing options, RT PCR (Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction), RT Lamp (Reverse-Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification), Rapid Antigen and an Antibody test. Please use the Manchester Airport website to book an appointment.

What else should I know before I travel?

Before arriving at the airport passengers should check the status of their flight with the airline, as these are subject to change. Passengers should also check the terminal hasn't been changed. Remember you can always book your flight to Manchester with BudgetAir.