Manchester Airport handled more than 3.3 million passengers in July 2026, making it the second-busiest month in the airport’s history.
The airport said July passenger numbers were 2.4% higher than the same month in 2025 and only just below the record of 3.5 million passengers handled in August 2025. Manchester Airport said August 2026 was expected to be even busier as the school summer holidays continued.
Despite the volume, nine out of ten passengers waited 15 minutes or less to pass through security during July, with the vast majority waiting less than ten minutes.
Passengers are still being advised to arrive around two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul departures. The airport is also advising travellers to factor in enough time for traffic, parking and public transport before reaching the terminal.
The passenger record comes during a major change to the airport’s terminal operation. The full footprint of the expanded Terminal 2 is now open, Terminal 1 has closed, and the airport says everyone except Ryanair passengers now uses Terminal 2. Work is also underway to improve Terminal 3.
For Merseyside passengers travelling to Manchester Airport, the busy summer period can also mean heavier traffic and more pressure around pick-up and drop-off areas. Liverpool and Merseyside passengers wanting a pre-booked transfer can use Manpool Transfers for airport journeys.
Taxi, private hire and airport-transfer drivers should continue checking the correct terminal before each job rather than relying on old routines, particularly while Manchester Airport continues its terminal changes.
Thanks for visiting DM News! If you’ve got a question, a story tip, or anything you’d like to share, head over to DriverMatty.com — I love to hear from you. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out my other websites and social media channels.
