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  • Writer: Mr Plane Guy
    Mr Plane Guy
  • Jul 8
  • 6 min read
Manchester Airport: The Worst in the UK for Flight Delays, Here’s What You Can Do

Manchester Airport: The Worst in the UK for Flight Delays, Here’s What You Can Do


By Flight Expert Mr Plane Guy







Manchester Airport has just been named one of the worst in the UK for flight delays. If you’ve ever stood in a long departure queue, checking your watch and wondering why nothing’s moving, you’re not alone. As someone who used to work as a flight delay controller at a major London airport, I’ve seen it all: late arrivals, crew issues, overbooked flights, aircraft swaps, you name it. My job was to stop delays from snowballing and get planes off the ground, even when the odds were stacked against us.


So when I talk about Manchester Airport departures, especially in summer, I come from a place of hard-earned experience. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly why Manchester is struggling with delays, what you can do about it, and how to turn the situation into something you might actually enjoy (yes, really).


Manchester Airport: Delay Hotspot

According to recent data, Manchester Airport is now officially one of the worst UK airports for delayed departures. In summer 2024, it ranked alongside Southend and Aberdeen as the second worst in the country.


Here’s what the numbers show:


  • Average delay time: 24.9 minutes

  • Cancellation rate: 1.0%

  • Delay improvement since 2022: Better, but still not good enough


Even though it's not quite as chaotic as Gatwick (which had 28-minute average delays), Manchester has a serious reliability issue that affects thousands of passengers every single day.

Claim Travel Delay Insurance



Why Are Flights Delayed at Manchester Airport?

There are dozens of reasons why flights get delayed, and Manchester seems to be caught in a perfect storm of them. Let me break it down for you:


1. Congestion

Manchester Airport has grown rapidly over the last decade, but infrastructure hasn’t always kept pace. During peak times, the runways and gates are full. That means delays ripple through the entire day.


2. Air Traffic Control Restrictions

Even when everything’s running perfectly on the ground, ATC can slow you down. If Europe’s skies are congested (which they often are), your plane can’t leave on time.


3. Weather

Fog. Wind. Snow. Northern airports like Manchester are more prone to disruption from the great British weather.


4. Aircraft or Crew Delays

If your plane is late arriving from another airport or the crew is timed out due to legal rest requirements, you’re grounded. Simple as that.


5. Lack of Resources

From baggage handlers to fuelling trucks, if the ground staff aren’t available at the right time, the flight can’t go. It’s a chain reaction.


What to Do If Your Flight Is Delayed

Don’t panic, don’t stress, just follow my tried-and-tested Flight Delay 3-Point Action Plan:


1. Take Receipts

Start documenting from the moment your flight is delayed:

  • Take a photo of the departure board

  • Note announcements

  • Keep all food and drink receipts (you might get reimbursed)


2. Be Prepared

Have essentials with you:

  • Snacks, water, and a good book

  • Meds and toiletries

  • A power bank so you’re not fighting for socketsI personally recommend the Anker PowerCore with built-in cables (affiliate link) super compact, and it saves me every trip.


3. Know Your Rights

If your flight is delayed by more than three hours, you may be entitled to up to £520 in compensation under EU261 regulation (yes, it's still valid post-Brexit on most UK/EU flights).



Manchester Airport: The Worst in the UK for Flight Delays – Here’s What You Can Do


Need help claiming?

Use my go-to partner for flight compensation, AirHelp (affiliate link). They’ve helped over 2.5 million people get what they’re owed.





I've teamed up with AirHelp who are first class experts in this field! With Airhelp it's easy and hassle-free, they handle your entire claim, from kick off to compensation.


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Guiding you through the essential documents, and they submit them for you.


Can save you time

You simply submit your documents online — They will take it from there.


No win, no fee

They handle all legal fees, and they will only charge a fee when you get paid.


Regular updates

You receive regular updates and answers to any questions you have



How to Avoid Delays in the First Place

Here’s the inside scoop: book early flights, preferably before 9am.

These are called “first wave” departures. They’re the most likely to leave on time because the plane and crew are already in place from the night before. The later in the day you fly, the more likely you are to get caught in the domino effect of earlier delays.


Manchester Airport: The Worst in the UK for Flight Delays – Here’s What You Can Do

Use an Airport Lounge

Aspire Lounge Manchester – Not Worth the Hype

While the Aspire Lounge might be the most well-known lounge at Manchester Airport, I have to be honest, it left me seriously underwhelmed. From overcrowding to disappointing food and lacklustre service, it’s not a space I’d personally recommend. I shared my full thoughts in this Aspire Lounge Terminal 1 Review, and spoiler alert: I wasn’t impressed.

If you want a better lounge experience at Manchester Airport, here are a few solid alternatives:



Better Lounge Options at Manchester Airport


Escape Lounge (T1, T2, T3)

  • Quieter, better food quality, and a more relaxed vibe.

  • Includes hot meals, alcoholic drinks, and plenty of space to work or chill.


1903 Lounge (T1 & T2)

  • Adults only, so no screaming toddlers.

  • More premium feel, with à la carte dining and a good selection of drinks.


No1 Lounge (when available)

  • Stylish décor, great buffet selection, and ideal for leisure or business travellers alike.


These lounges are all available through Priority Pass, which makes getting access easy and affordable, especially with my exclusive 30% off offer.

Get 30% Off Priority Pass Here


Priority Pass: The Game-Changer

Getting into these lounges is easier than you think. With Priority Pass, you can access over 1,700 lounges around the world, including all the good ones at Manchester.

And I’ve got an exclusive offer: 30% Off Priority Pass when you use this link.




Manchester Airport: The Worst in the UK for Flight Delays – Here’s What You Can Do

Why I recommend it:

  • Global access

  • Free food, drinks, showers, even nap pods

  • Three plan levels to suit every type of traveller

  • From just £48 with my discount link

Even if you only travel 4–5 times a year, it pays for itself. Especially when airport food costs a small fortune.

Don’t Forget Parking – Book It Early

Manchester Airport parking is a minefield if you don’t plan ahead.

Top tips:

  • Pre-book online to save up to 60%

  • Look at Meet & Greet or JetParks for value and convenience

  • Off-site lots offer shuttles and often better prices

Check out Manchester’s official parking options here.





Need a Hotel Before You Fly?

Here are my top picks for Manchester Airport hotels:

  1. Radisson Blu Manchester Airport Direct terminal access. Super convenient.Book here

  2. Clayton Hotel Reliable and comfortable with free airport shuttle.Check price

  3. Hilton Manchester Airport Ideal for early flights, solid all-rounder.See more

  4. Holiday Inn Express Breakfast included and great value.View availability

  5. Ibis Budget Basic, but cheap and cheerful.Book now





Don’t Let a Delay Ruin Your Trip

I get it no one wants to sit in an airport lounge watching their departure time get pushed back again and again. But with the right mindset, a little preparation, and a few savvy upgrades (like a lounge pass or travel insurance), it doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

Remember:

  • Use AirHelp to claim compensationStart your claim here

  • Grab a Priority Pass and chill out in style 30% off Priority Pass

  • Pack smart, and bring your own power bank with cables




Final Boarding Call

Delays at Manchester Airport might be some of the worst in the UK, but they don’t have to ruin your trip. Whether you’re jetting off on holiday or heading to a business meeting, being informed (and prepared) puts you ahead of 99% of passengers.

I’ve worked in the thick of airport delays, and now I help travellers like you navigate them. Got questions? Drop them in the comments or message me.


For more Plane tips, Plane travel news, and a sprinkle of humour, follow me on social media. Let's make your journeys as smooth as possible!





Manchester Airport: The Worst in the UK for Flight Delays – Here’s What You Can Do

Hello I’m Paul a travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline.

I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!


I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity!


I hope you enjoyed this Manchester Airport: The Worst in the UK for Flight Delays – Here’s What You Can Do, do let me know in the comments........


Check out my Flight Delay Guide

My Travel Tips for TUI Flight Delays and Cancellations

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