Manchester Airport has been ranked as the worst in Britain for the third consecutive year, according to a survey conducted by Which?, the consumer rights organization. The survey, which polled 5,000 members about their airport experiences over the past year, highlighted issues such as insufficient seating, long queues, and high prices in shops.
Liverpool, London City, and Norwich airports secured the top positions in the rankings. Belfast and Luton airports followed Manchester at the bottom of the list.
In response to the survey results, a spokesperson for Manchester Airport expressed disappointment and questioned the survey's methodology. The airport disputed findings regarding security queue times, stating that 97% of passengers clear pre-flight screening within 15 minutes.
Interestingly, a separate poll conducted by YouGov in June 2024 presented contrasting results, ranking Manchester Airport as the fourth most popular in the UK, albeit with a 36% approval rating. This discrepancy raises questions about the subjectivity of passenger experiences and the methods used to measure airport performance.
"Our survey found many of the biggest airports fall at the basics – with passengers often unhappy about the availability of toilets and seats, and reporting long queues at times ... flogging fast passes and filling terminals with retail spaces and airport lounges is a money spinner but, judging by our results, it's not what passengers need."
The Which? survey evaluated the country's 29 busiest airports based on factors such as seating availability, shop prices, toilet facilities, and queue times at security and passport control. Specific issues at Manchester Airport included non-functional moving walkways since 2021 and ongoing repair works.
It's worth noting that Manchester Airport is the third busiest in the UK by passenger traffic and has a rich history dating back to 1938. The airport boasts unique features such as two runways over 3,000 meters in length, a public viewing area, and its own railway station. Despite recent rankings, the airport has previously won awards, including "Best UK Airport" in 2015.
As air travel continues to evolve, the debate over airport quality and passenger satisfaction remains complex, with various factors influencing traveler experiences.