Has there been any recent increase in security awareness level from the police, MI5 or MoD, warning of people about to do naughty things with bombs in the next few days ? It's the only reason I can think of for somebody deciding to calibrate the security screening process to a high level of sensitivity. If it was due to Russia/Ukraine, I presume all major airports in the UK would be affected - unless of course Manchester airport is particularly lacking in its ability to screen (efficiently) for security risks.