Manchester Airport has issued fresh travel advice to passengers, but promises that hundreds of new staff are on the way.
After what had been weeks of travel bedlam at the UK’s third largest airport, with many hit by cancellations and long waits of up to 90 minutes or more due to staff shortages, and after Manchester Airport bosses had previously spoken out to warn that the chaos could continue “over the next few months”, it’s now been confirmed that dozens of new staff have already been hired and hundreds more are currently going through the security training and vetting process.
In the lead-up to the peak summer holiday season, Manchester Airport has provided a progress update on its recruitment drive, and is also reminding passengers of its travel advice.
Bosses at the airport say it is “continuing to recover at pace” post-pandemic following the removal of international travel restrictions, and that passenger volumes have now grown back to 79% of pre-pandemic levels – but this means the airport is now serving around three times more passengers each week than it was in January.
While this “strong recovery” has been identified as a contributor to the long queues and delays, the shortage of staff numbers was something the airport was keen to rectify.
The UK’s third largest airport has issued an update in its recruitment drive ahead of summer / Credit: Manchester Airport
With demand returning rapidly, the airport says it has been working hard to recruit hundreds of new security officers, and improve the efficiency of how it deploys the people already working in the operation, as well as bring in new measures to “improve the airport experience” for customers and staff.
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To date, more than 8,000 applications have been received for roles including security officers, car park marshals, and hospitality staff, and in the last month alone, more than 1,600 people have applied for jobs and more than 500 people are currently going through background checks and security training.
Around 200 new starters are expected to join the operation at Manchester this month, which airport bosses say enables them to open additional security lanes during peak periods and improve customer service.
Take 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 ⌚ Take 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 💦💻 Take 𝙛𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 ✈️
Travelling from Manchester Airport soon? Prepare for your airport journey in advance. This includes allowing enough time and preparing your hand luggage for security screening.#TakeTimeTakeCareTakeFlightpic.twitter.com/mgH86SObyc
This recruitment drive and a range of other measures have improved the customer experience in recent weeks, with 90% of passengers in the last two weeks getting through security in less than 30 minutes, up significantly from 78% in the first two weeks of April.
While the airport is still admittedly experiencing longer queues at times – which the airport says is working with partner organisations, including UK Border Force, airlines and ground handlers, to address – these are said to be happening less frequently and they are also being cleared relatively quickly.
“We want to make sure that customers get away on their travels, so everyone at Manchester Airport is focused on bringing in the extra resources we need to continue operating our full flight schedule,” said Ian Costigan, Interim Managing Director of Manchester Airport.
“It is encouraging to see new staff joining us as a result of our ongoing recruitment drive, and we have seen security waiting times reduce in recent weeks”.
He added that ensuring passengers move through the airport quickly and easily is the airport’s “ultimate goal.”
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Reiterating its travel advice, the airport is urging passengers to arrive three hours before their flights, but is asking people not to come any earlier than this because they will not be able to check-in with their airlines, which could cause “unnecessary waits in the terminals”. Leaving a three-hour window will enable people to pass through security and make their flights.
Passengers who have not flown for a long time are also being urged to refamiliarise themselves with the security rules.
Featured Image – Manchester Airport
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Poignant plans to mark ninth anniversary of Manchester Arena attack announced
Emily Sergeant
Manchester City Council has announced its plans to mark the ninth anniversary of the Manchester Arena attack.
This Friday 22 May 2026, it will be exactly eight years since a terror attack saw 22 people tragically lose their lives, and left thousands more injured and affected, during a bombing at the end of an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena back in 2017.
Every year, the city of Manchester comes together and joins the rest of the world in marking the day and remembering those who went to a concert and never returned home.
As has been the case for the past few years since it opened to the public, the focal point for this year’s personal remembrance and reflection will be the permanent Glade of Light memorial, near Manchester Cathedral.
The new Lord Mayor of Manchester, Cllr Shaukat Ali,, Manchester City Council Leader, Cllr Bev Craig, and Council Chief Executive, Tom Stannard, will each lay floral tributes at the memorial on behalf of the people of the city in memory of those who lost their lives.
The names of those who sadly died will also be read out on 22 May during services at Manchester Cathedral – firstly at 9am (Morning Prayers), then at 1:10pm (Holy Communion), and finally at 5:30pm (Choral Evensong).
The Cathedral will also be open throughout the day for those who wish to light a candle or pray.
Poignant plans to mark the ninth anniversary of Manchester Arena attack have been announced / Credit: The Manc Group | David Dixon (via Geograph)
Two one-minute silences will take place at Manchester Victoria station during the day too – one at 12 noon, and then one at and 10:31pm, which is the exact anniversary of the attack.
“Manchester will never forget those who lost their lives in the 22 May 2017 terror attack, nor the many others who were injured or otherwise affected,” Cllr Bev Craig said ahead of the plans to formally mark the anniversary this Friday.
“Time passes but we will not allow their memories to fade.
“On the ninth anniversary of that terrible day, we also remember the remarkable solidarity shown by the city in refusing to give in to hatred, and the resilience and courage shown by the loved ones of those who were killed and by survivors.”
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
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Inside Cat Cafe Manchester, as a dozen fluffy felines pounce into their new palace
Emily Sergeant
Cat Cafe Manchester will soon be ready to open the doors to its new home in the city centre, and we’ve got a sneak peak for you.
Get ready to meet your 12 new best friends.
Barton Arcade was already one of Manchester‘s most stunning buildings as it is, but now a dozen new fluffy felines have moved in too, taking over the old Classic Football Shirts site on Deansgate with climbing frames, scratch posts, cat trees, squishy sofas, and plenty (emphasis on the plenty) of ledges that are perfect for perching on.
You may remember that Cat Cafe Manchester was a beloved venue in the Northern Quarter, opening all the way back in 2016 before sadly having to close in 2021 following unavoidable economic struggles brought about by the pandemic.
But now they’re back, and they’re cuter than ever… you can absolutely take our word for it.
Cat Cafe Manchester is getting ready to open at the end of this month / Credit: The Manc Group
After announcing in January 2025 that they would be making a grand return to the city, the Cat Cafe staff have been spending the past year making sure their new home is perfect (purrfect… if you will) ready for the cats to begin moving in – which they have been doing over this past week, gradually being introduced to each other in intervals to make sure they all get on.
From Maine Coons Ottie and Heathcliff, and fluffy sisters Yumi and Yoki, to Uno the adventurous Bengal, beautiful Gracie the Ragdoll, and Emerson the proud British Shorthair, it’s clear to see that all 12 residents have been making themselves at home ready for the official opening on Saturday 30 May.
“Our mission is to make animal assisted therapy accessible on the high street,” Cat Cafe says in a mission statement on its website.
“We aim to support urban communities by offering inclusive, calm and relaxing spaces in what can be a busy, crowded and over-stimulating world. The purpose of Cat Cafe is to help people feel better.”
The 12 fluffy felines have all started making themselves at home / Credit: The Manc Group
All the cats are still considered kittens at this point, and they will be ready for retiring and settling down once they turn five.
And of course, let’s not forget the ‘cafe’ part of the Cat Cafe too.
When you book your one-hour time slot from £14 per person, you’ll also get unlimited free hot and cold drinks included in your ticket price, and be able to order from a menu that includes everything from toasted teacakes and bacon sandwiches, to paninis, cakes, and ice creams – with options for a variety of dietary requirements.
As well as the general admission – which is open to children aged 10 and over – Cat Cafe Manchester will also be offering adult-only sessions, child-friendly hours for those between the ages of four and nine, and will even host book clubs, film nights, and craft nights too.
Dedicated subsidised hours for the SEN community and their carers are now open to book, so they have the opportunity to attend on a weekly basis, and birthday packages, celebration packages, afternoon tea, and private hire are also available.
Cat Cafe Manchester officially opens on Saturday 30 May, and you can find out everything you need to know and book your slot to visit online here.
Emily Sergeant -
5th May 2022 
