Overview
- Drivers and taxi operators reported waits of around an hour to exit the Terminal 1 short-stay pick-up area on August 27, with photos showing snaking queues and blaring horns.
- Manchester Airport said technical issues with exit barriers caused the hold-ups, stated the problem was fixed, and deployed teams to manage traffic.
- A spokesperson confirmed affected motorists will not be charged for extra time incurred during the disruption.
- Some operators said the short-stay area had been temporarily relocated and repurposed, citing an email from the airport, although officials said the queues were not caused by layout changes.
- Passengers and local drivers criticized the handling of the area, pointing to a lack of marshalling and poor shelter for people waiting in heavy rain.