Manchester, UK – Uber has introduced a major update to its airport queuing system at Manchester Airport, bringing it in line with Liverpool Airport’s controversial rules. The change means drivers now have a limited number of trip offers before being sent to the back of the queue—regardless of how long they’ve waited.
Previously, Uber drivers could remain at the front of the airport queue until they accepted a trip, allowing them to wait for a more lucrative fare. However, the new update forces drivers to accept an offer quickly or risk being pushed back, potentially after hours of waiting.
Frustration Among Drivers
Many Uber drivers are expressing frustration over the update, claiming it makes airport work less viable. Some drivers report waiting up to five hours to reach the front of the queue, only to receive low-paying jobs of around £10. If they decline these jobs or take too long to respond, they are automatically placed at the back, losing all their waiting time.
A warning message from Uber now notifies drivers when they are at risk of losing their spot:
“Drivers behind you are waiting for you to make a decision. It looks like you are not ready to take trips. To help us make airports work well for everyone, we need to keep the queue moving.”
This means drivers must either accept the jobs offered to them, no matter how small, or risk a complete reset of their waiting time.
Drivers Sleeping in Cars
With Manchester Airport being one of the busiest in the UK, some Uber drivers have resorted to sleeping in their cars overnight to secure a better queue position in the morning. However, the new system may make this strategy ineffective, as time spent in the queue no longer guarantees access to higher-paying fares.
What This Means for Passengers
For passengers, this could mean faster ride availability, as drivers won’t be able to sit idle waiting for better fares. However, it may also result in fewer Uber drivers servicing the airport if many decide it’s no longer profitable.
Will This Policy Stay?
Uber has not officially commented on whether the new system will remain in place long-term, but given that it has already been implemented at Liverpool Airport, it seems likely that Manchester’s update is here to stay.
Many drivers are now reconsidering airport work, with some looking at alternatives like Bolt, private hire firms, or simply avoiding airport trips altogether.
What do you think of Uber’s new queue system at Manchester Airport?
