The airports will argue the fees they get from landing, handling and passenger charges have been cut to the bone to keep the likes of MOL happy, hence why terminals are now shopping centers and car parks have become an essential source of income for them. It is a circular argument that certainly can't be won by the likes of us!

Seems like the consensus is Manchester Airport is a car park.with a runway attached.
Fleecing passengers who arrive and are collected by car has been the policy,rather than charge the airlines the appropriate landing charges to make the airport profitable.
Charging a captive market was opportunistic,now that market has evaporated,some reassessment about funding has to be implemented.
If and when air travel starts to increase,I will be very selective which airports i give my custom to.
As stated in previous posts,it's not the £3 here and there,it makes no difference,it's the principle and the feeling that I am being ripped off.

As a rule, most airlines - particularly locos - won't pay "appropriate landing charges" at an airport if they have an alternative that they can threaten/will move their flights to. e.g. LPL, LBA,DSA,BHX in the case of MAN and say they would be charged less there (whether that's an idle threat or not). They want to pay nothing, or be paid to fly at airports that don't have the draw of a capital city.
Any airline who does agree to pay "appropriate" landing charges at MAN or another airport will be passing those charges onto the passengers anyway via their ticket cost, I would argue.

Didn't MAN, at the time of the drop off charging going in, suggest that some/all of the excess was going towards a local transport fund? Or am I dreaming?

It wasn’t a dream- it was all trumpeted with much fanfare, then quietly deferred further further into the long grass. Given what’s happened now, you might as well have dreamt it.
Of more concern, my trip thru T3 Security was anything but Socially distant. No evidence whatsoever & how do you do it anyway with an S snake queue?. I might be standing 2m back( nobody else is) but I’m still stood face to face with a guy coming the other way.
i will be thru there again next week, if it’s the same then it’ll be my last trip thru MAN, as it’ll be evident that adequate precautions are not being taken.

It's an airport with people and a finite space, what do you expect ?? If you're a Choronaphobe living in fear, than stay home where it's nice and safe.

Thanks for that perfect display of attitude which shows exactly what's wrong with MAN!

What would I expect? Well, use of the available space to achieve social distancing wherever possible. They're not exactly overrun with passengers right now, so using alternating lanes in T3 security tensa-barrier-land instead of every lane would be a start. Some more hand sanitiser stations perhaps. Not revolutionary stuff, but if you're happy with the way it is, we can pick up the debate in a few months' time when any last vestiges of domestic travel on journeys where people have a choice have evaporated from MAN.

Not sure of the original poster's experience, but that's certainly mine from a recent trip through MAN. I'd say I'd continue to avoid T3 like the plague, but that might be misconstrued about the status of Covid-19.

More lanes require more staff - you may not be aware that due to significantly reduced demand, there are lots of staff that are either on furlough or at the end of the job queue, it's simply not financialy feasable to do what you ask.

I wasn't talking about the number of security screening machines open. I was talking about a re-arrangement of the tensa-barrier lanes leading to whichever machines happen to be open, as I think the original poster was also suggesting.

What a load of tosh. There are requirements and they are not being adhered to IMHO.
There is tons of space and you don't need multiples lanes / staff. Loads of space was wasted. No extra screening just a little thought on the layout. They have made zero changes.
The airport have produced a video on how safe and secure their procedures are...(Really?)
Lets see what DfT & PHE say when they visit.
Typical response, sounds like you don’t actually want any passengers?

Tbf, I’ve been through several airports recently and none seem to be particularly socially distant experience, including the brand spanking new IST. That said, I didn’t feel any different to what I do in my local Tesco if I’m honest.

easyflyer83
Totally agree with you. I have been through Munich on a regular basis almost weekly, Tegel, Frankfurt , Doha, Milan, Madrid, Copenhagen , Dublin, DXB, Amsterdam on a less regular basis since March (I am classed as essential worker). Also your comment re Tesco mirrors my own view 100%. Also I have noticed flights are now filling up more and terminals are definitely getting busier with more frequency creeping back in.
Cheers
Mr Mac

I had a mixed experience travelling through T1 at the start of September. Security was definitely the pinch point in terms of social distancing. This wasn’t helped by the fact all passengers were using the Jet2 security area (a first and hopefully last for me) which was cramped and reminiscent of a basement car park.

Much better in the main body of the terminal with proper management of queuing at the food outlets.

Departure gate (11) was dreadful with no attempts to manage the boarding process in an orderly way.

Return the following week was also the worst experience in a while. An hour from landing to collecting bags, mainly due to a ten minute wait for an air bridge and a big queue for border control.

Last point on social distancing. Masks were worn by pretty much everyone (though not always correctly) which does mitigate some of the social distancing issues. Plenty of hand sanitizer stations too, though disappointing number of people not bothering to use them!

I travelled through terminal one a few weeks ago and the security experience was not good from a social distancing point of view, I couldn't wait to get away from the area tbh. Only one belt open with too many people waiting around. The airport has a duty of care and this was not evident, if they want passenger back, people must feel safe.

This notion that people are not traveling because they 'Don't feel safe' is a view that only exist with a minority of opinions, although you wouldn't think it on this forum due to the dominance of Chronaphobes. People are not traveling mainly due to extreme travel restriction placed upon them or due to being encouraged to work from home. MOST people are accepting of the risks of life and are happy to take them - if allowed.

In essence, if YOU feel unsafe, then it should be YOU who should choose to stay at home and don't seek to blame others for your own percieved feelings of being unsafe.

I'm a minority then.
As a retired 'Exec' (lol) I am seriously worried that Covid IS out of control and the prevailing attutude of the 'dont tell me what to do' majority is not 'freedom' as Bojo expresses it.
Until aircraft and airports mandate and meet the same Covid mask up requirements as buses and trains, and that they are observed, my overseas plans ( usually twice a year) are on hold.
Its not as if there's anywhere to go.

All airlines that I know of have mandated mask compliance and from my own observation, is adhered to at near 100%. Most buses that go past my house have at best 50% complance.

Near enough is not good enough. I dont want to sit next to someone who wont comply..Penny to a pinch, the CC won't force the issue, not at 34000ft and 150 pairs of eyes staring, smartphones recording the confrontation for their Twit or Klip Klop post.
Difference between bus and aircraft - on the bus I can ring the bell and get off.
And dont get me started on 'its OK for under 2s not to wear a mask.' Can they not carry Covid like everyone else? They can be just as asymptomatic and infect just like anyone OVER 2.
Suggestion - ban under 2s from flying? (That's a joke by the way)

The96er

You do realise that when you use words like 'Chronaphobes' (sic) it makes the rest of us think you're a bit stupid.

You're opinion, I'm more of a realist - but to reiterate once more for the obviously more intelligent people such as yourself - If you're scared - STAY HOME !

Sorry you're missing the point..i am happy to take the risk to travel and I take the necessary precautions to do so, I also expect modes of transport and establishments, such as airports to do their best too, and on this occasion Manchester Terminal 1 was not very good. There are certainly many people who are not travelling because they don't feel safe right now.

Pretty sure driving traffic to your own social media site is a no-no mate. You're better off posting the link to the commercial announcement?
And that pic is G-LMRA, an ATR42 not a 72.

Turin - breathtaking arrogance to think that your view co-incides with everyone else's. Unbelievable.

I don't understand the logic of using the first 2 or 3 search areas in T3 security thereby concentrating what few pax they do have into a small area. If the furthest search areas were used- you could utilise more ":straight" queues without the need to snake pax & distancing would be easier.
My latest trips (MAN-SOU) one of the bags wasn't loaded. On the SOU-MAN return the pre ordered wheelchair for one pax was not there on arrival. The other pax were escorted to the the gate to enter T3, the agent unable to gain terminal access, we were walked to another gate- same again, we were walked to a third gate before we got access to the Terminal. None of the above are hardly any critical errors, however, it does look like even with a loss of 90% of passengers/services MAN still manages to portray a comedic way of running an airport.
Given the responses defending anything & everything that MAN does, should I as an apparent designated snowflake, cancel my MAN-EXT next week or continue to support the airport by actually using it?

Flying to Exeter,just jump in the car and drive.
By the time you've traveled to the airport,endured security and all the relevant current restrictions,subjected yourself to a lack of social distancing on the aircraft,it's a no brainer.
Domestic air travel,especially short routes,make no sense during the current pandemic.

You're perfectly at liberty to drive down to Exeter if that is your preference. But to project the blame for your personal phobia onto airlines which are doing their utmost to provide a safe travel experience is irresponsible and uncalled for. I have completed four flights over recent weeks. They were absolutely fine and I haven't died yet. I have six more bookings outstanding (including MAN-EXT-MAN with BlueIslands) and look forward to using them, provided that they're able to operate as planned. I have not felt unsafe at any time transiting the airports on my own recent journeys - MAN 4, BFS 2, AGP 2. Not the most exotic list, but I have had around 40 other flights cancelled this Summer!

It is also wrong to presume that everyone has the option to just jump in a car anyway. Many travellers need to use public transport. You're going to encounter strangers on trains and coaches too - though those companies are also doing their utmost to provide a safe travel environment.

If you're scared or know yourself to be especially vulnerable, by all means stay home. Nobody minds. But stop chucking hand grenades from your comfy armchair at aviation professionals who are bending over backwards to ensure a safe and efficient journey for their customers amidst the most challenging crisis the industry has ever encountered.

I do despair of this site at times. Useful posts advising very scarce items of good news (new scheduled services) are deleted, leaving behind just a hardcore of grumpy old codgers bitching about all those airline and airport staff who are slogging their guts out to provide us with safe travel in these tough times. Well, the bitching codgers can cower away as much as they like as far as I'm concerned - it is a personal choice.

But would it hurt you to spare a little positive sentiment and recognition for those dedicated airline / airport staff who are trying to earn a crust, support our fine industry, and ensure a fit-for-purpose sector once this accursed crisis has passed?

Having passed through 5 European airports and Manchester in the past few days, Manchester T3 border entry is by far the biggest shambles. The space is just too small to handle the current reduced number of flights landing and respecting space. Coupled with the airport staff asking people in the queue to remove their masks in preparation for the eGates is just ridiculous.

I passed through T3 arrivals last Saturday. No issues at all. And egates can't do their thing if the subject is wearing a muzzle. They're all about facial recognition. But most travellers don't know how they work, so it makes perfect sense for a staff member to explain the process to avoid rejections and hold-ups which lead to increased congestion.

Luxair- gone for 2021

I'm sure it will not be the last service to "bite the dust" - hopefully it will be back on 2022.

That very possibly; but I think a larger factor is the idea of wearing a face mask for what will amount, even on a flight of two hours, somewhere around 4-5 hours by the time you've checked in gone through security and then been processed through your destination airport. Personally, I wouldn't suffer that for the sake of 2 weeks in the sun. I perfectly well accept that many may think it's a small price to pay.

There are a number of reasons why people aren't booking air travel, and fear of catching C-19 itself isn't the lone concern. Other considerations include:

- Inability to accept quarantine terms either in overseas destination, or upon return to the UK, or both.
- FCO advisories against all but essential travel means insurance cover invalid.
- Fear of sudden changes to travel rules - which do happen with alarming frequency.
- Fear of fines for misunderstanding diverse C-19 regulations in overseas destinations.
- Fear of soaring additional costs as some countries suddenly demand C-19 test certificates for all arriving pax: 4 x £150 bill recently for a family I know of (Cyprus, IIRC).
- Concern that journey experience will be deeply unpleasant; muzzle requirements etc.
- Fear that the "holiday" will be an ordeal rather than a pleasure: permanent bemuzzlement in public spaces; closed attractions / restaurants / bars / excursions; no chance to meet new friends due social distancing and muzzles.
- Concern that overseas expenses such as car hire and accommodation will be forfeit if airline cancels flights but cars / hotels still available. My sister's family have lost hundreds on this.
- Concern that a minor ailment such as a routine runny nose could result in being declined boarding for the homeward flight.
- Concern that cancelled travel arrangements will result in another tedious months-long paperchase to secure future travel vouchers, or even ... GASP! ... a full refund.
- Realisation that advance booking brings few advantages to the customer right now. Last minute bookings come with higher confidence / flexibility, and late prices aren't exactly soaring.
- No reliable guidance anywhere as to how long this chaos may persist.

Basically, why would you book any travel for dates well in the future at this point? It's tough on the airlines, but this is why they need to prioritise conserving cash this Winter. And, of course, those carriers which have sat on refunds for months and given their customers the runaround (eg. Air Europa), or which have stitched up early bookers to quarantined destinations whilst allowing late bookers free date changes (eg. Ryanair, June 10th cut-off), have to accept a good degree of the blame for the mistrust which they have now sewn amongst travellers. Other travel organisers such as lastminute.com are at fault too, rendering themselves virtually impossible to contact and sitting on customer funds without end in sight (see Trustpilot on these if you fancy a good laugh). A buyers' strike becomes inevitable when some high-profile companies haven't played fair with their customers. But hopefully customers will remember the operators which have treated them well. I know I will.

MAN-NQY
 

Some good news..🙂

Eastern Airways 4 flights/ week (Thur/Fri/Sun/Mon) to Newquay from 21st Oct. Loganair to start daily from next summer.
"Loganair & Eastern announce Manchester to Newquay flights" https://ukaviation.news/loganair-eas...y-flights/amp/

This.

You’ve summed up all the reasons why I’m not currently booking any trips abroad. It goes against my urges and desire to travel, however at this time the moving goalposts and not knowing what things will be like at the destination makes the idea of travelling anywhere besides domestically a non-starter at this time. I also remember what it’s like to travel pre-COVID.

I know this isn’t music to the ears of airlines and travel companies and if people want to do so it’s their prerogative, but the current climate isn’t making me and many others want to book with confidence.

Sadly, the constant chopping and changing of travel advice alone is enough to explain the adverse affect on forward bookings.

There is still a strong underlying demand for international travel no doubt. The increase in last-minute getaways this summer and strong bookings reported by some carriers for 2021, in the hope of an improved outlook, only explains that too well. But frankly, very few can book with confidence whilst this short-notice, illogical and fragmented government approach to travel restrictions continues.

Let's hope that these can be rationalised to give an appropriate level of responce, so those who very much still want or need to travel, can do so in a safe manner and create a self financing recovery to protect the livlihoods of so many hard working professionals, rather than government payouts.

MAG Stats September 2020
 

September Pax

Stansted = 663,890 down 74.6%

Manchester = 630,943 down 78.6%

East Midlands = 104,544 down 81.0%

September Cargo

East Midlands = 40,645 up 31.5%

Stansted = 24,175 up 22.4%

Manchester = 3,677 down 59.1%

Pax 12m ending 30.09.20

Stansted = 13,156,636 down 53.5%

Manchester = 12,514,809 down 57.5%

East Midlands = 1,642,009 down 65.8%

Google Chronophobe.

Do you feel stupid now too?

Good to see Emirates planning to operate twice daily again to Manchester in 2021 with A380 and 777

Looks like Stansted, Newcastle , Glasgow are fairing well too.

Only cuts seem to be at Birmingham.

Virgin to India
 

Some good news in these hard times

Virgin to start Mumbai on 19.02.20 - 3 pw and Delhi on 05.01.21 - 2pw

Iran Air & Oman Air will not be returning anytime soon.

VS MAN-BOM & DEL
 

VS have announced 3xweekly services from MAN to Mumbai and 2xweekly to Delhi from December 2020 and January 2021 respectively.

Twitter

good news indeed in these 'bad news' times - cheers for the info