What happened, well, as a passenger waiting for departure I sat in the terminal 2 as everything went down. It was more than entertaining in which rediculous and unproffesional manner some airport stuff tried to get people moving from the "dark" areas towards the end of the building. With totally inappropriate attitude combined with very abusive words they even used the terms of "Bomb alert" to get us out of the area while Air2000 continued boarding two aeroplanes as if nothing had happened.
After a short while ATC continued operation and we could observe aeroplanes taking off and landing again, incoming traffic was held at the gate with passengers to stay on board for up to 2 hrs. The Air2000 aeroplanes had been pushed off the stands to accomodate incoming traffic, the airport stuff advised that these Air2000 757 both would suffer from fuel leaks and the airport would remain closed. Only after some more than upset passengers challenged this rude stuff senior persons were called to the scene to calm down the situation and the airport stuff left in disgrace.
Poor performance Manchester Airport, the passenger announcement system was still operating, some information instead of the usual safety advises would have kept the people informed and calm.
If this would have been a real emergency I am wondering about the outcome.
Serviceair told the crew of one outgoing aeroplane that during work at a nearby railway station the main power line was cut, interesting to see that there is no back-up. During night this would lead to very serious problems, the whole lounge areas without any lighting, the terminal in less than required illumination.
Unprofessional and inappropriate for an "international" airport.