Why are flights and holidays from Manchester Airport being cancelled? Reasons behind cancellations explained

Passengers travelling from Manchester Airport in recent days have been faced with huge delays and cancelled flights as they look to jet off for the half term holiday.

The cancellations come at one of the busiest times for the airport, with a surge in passengers using the airport to jet off for the half term holidays and Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend.

The most badly impacted airline flying out from Manchester Airport is TUI, with many flights from Manchester scheduled to be cancelled throughout June.

Why have TUI cancelled flights?

It was confirmed on 31 May that airline TUI is to cancel six flights a day from Manchester Airport.

The reason for this being a number of staff shortages brought on by widespread cuts to staff numbers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Have Manchester Airport commented on TUI’s cancelled flights?

On 31 May, Manchester Airport issued a statement following discussions with TUI and the airline’s ground handler, Swissport.

The airport is to continue working with both TUI and Swissport to provide the best service to passengers as the industry continues to regain strength following the pandemic.

A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: Over the last few days TUI and its appointed ground handler, Swissport, have experienced significant challenges with their check-in and baggage reclaim operations at Manchester Airport.

“From extensive discussions with the TUI and Swissport management teams, it is clear that they are experiencing temporary staff shortages, in common with other aviation and travel companies.”

The airport spokesperson added that they “understand” the airline’s decision to cancel the large number of flights throughout June, and are disappointed for customers who have been affected by the decision.

The spokesperson said: “Given these challenges, we understand TUI’s difficult decision to cancel a number of services over the course of the next month, although we are obviously disappointed to see passengers’ plans disrupted in this way.

“We will continue to work with TUI, Swissport and other partners to give passengers the best possible service as the travel sector builds back to full strength after the pandemic.

“In the meantime, we continue to advise passengers to arrive three hours before their flight and to be as prepared as they can be for their journey.”

The airport has also provided information on how customers can change or cancel car park bookings, what to do if their flights are cancelled, and how to cancel or amend a lounge booking.

What hs TUI said?

A TUI spokesperson said: “We’re incredibly sorry to those customers who have been impacted by the recent disruption to our operations.

“We understand that last minute cancellations are incredibly disappointing, and we would like to reassure our customers that we are doing everything we can to get them on holiday as planned.

“Whilst every cancellation is regrettable, the vast majority of our flights are operating as planned, with more than 26,000 customers taking off yesterday on holiday.

“We’d like to apologise again for the inconvenience caused and we thank customers for their understanding.”

How are passengers being affected?

Passengers using the airport have been affected by last minute cancellations and lengthy delays both trying to leave and return to Manchester.

In one instance, a couple from Glasgow took the decision to get a taxi back home from Manchester airport.

Upon arrival at Manchester Airport, they were told their pre-paid coach that would take them back to Glasgow had been booked for the wrong day.

Instead, the couple paid almost £800 for a taxi back to Glasgow.

How can I check the latest information on my flight?

You can keep up to date with the latest information on flights by visiting the Manchester Airport website or by following the airport on Twitter.