Manchester Airport’s managing director has defended airport parking charges after Manchester Airports Group recorded more than £453 million in parking income.
Chris Woodroofe was responding to criticism from a passenger who questioned the cost of paying more than £150 to leave a vehicle at Manchester Airport for two weeks.
Woodroofe argued that airport parking operates in a competitive market, with passengers able to choose between airport-owned car parks, independent parking providers, taxis, private hire vehicles, Uber and public transport.
Manchester Airports Group, which owns Manchester Airport alongside London Stansted and East Midlands Airport, recorded around £453 million in parking income, representing approximately a third of its overall income.
Woodroofe said money generated from parking contributes towards both the day-to-day running of the airport and future investment.
He also said Manchester Airport is looking at further parking capacity, including the possibility of another large multi-storey car park due to high demand.
Airport parking and drop-off prices are particularly relevant to taxi and private hire drivers because charges incurred when collecting or dropping off passengers are often added directly to the cost of a journey.
Manchester Airport’s current terminal drop-off price starts at £5.50 for up to five minutes, while ten minutes costs £6.50. Drivers can also use a free drop-off option away from the terminal with a shuttle service.
The airport now operates barrierless payment arrangements across its pick-up and drop-off areas, with drivers responsible for making the required payment by midnight the following day unless they have AutoPay set up.
For passengers travelling from Liverpool or Manchester who would rather pre-book transport than leave their vehicle at the airport, Manpool Transfers provides Liverpool and Manchester airport transfers.
With millions of passengers travelling through Manchester Airport each year, parking, drop-off charges and ground transport are likely to remain an important source of both airport income and debate among passengers and professional drivers.
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