During Covid the councils actually put in best part of £400m from taxpayers to keep the airport viable, it's one of the reasons i bang on ad nauseum about pure freight traffic.
Manchester is an intrinsic part of the Norths supply chain.
Whilst shifting everything to EMA might be beneficial to MAGs accounts it is detrimental to importers and exporters up here , many of whom are those same taxpayers.
The monies given to MAG last year may be a relatively small amount given the handsome dividends that the councils have enjoyed over many years but they are still significant. I would not be surprised to see them exit now the good times are over.
We should be cognisant of the green lobby and the shift from what was once the pride of Manchester to what is now something of a mill stone, financially and politically.
I would not be suprised to see the councils divest themslves if they can find a suitable buyer.