Manchester Airport faced widespread disruption on Monday, December 15, after a combination of severe weather conditions and a runway surface defect. Hence, it has caused dozens of flights to be delayed and cancelled. Moreover, the Manchester airport runway closure had a ripple effect across Europe, as it impacted airlines, passengers, and onward connections.
What Caused the Manchester Airport Runway Closure?
The disruption started in the early morning hours when heavy rainfall and low visibility significantly slowed airport disruption. Moreover, the situation escalated when Runway 05L/23R, Manchester Airport’s main runway, was closed due to a surface failure on the taxiway. However, this runway usually operates 24 hours a day and plays an important role in managing high traffic volumes.
According to the airport authority, the runway was closed to aircraft at 9:17 local time, which left the airport to operate on a single runway only. Moreover, engineers started repair work, but the progress was slowed due to persistent rain and poor visibility. However, the runway was eventually reopened at 12:27 local time. Still, the knock-on impact lasted well into the evening.
Weather Warnings and Infrastructure Strain
The UK Met Office had issued moderate rainfall warnings across Manchester and surrounding regions. However, the National Highways also reported flooding on the M56 motorway near the airport. So, these conditions complicated the runway repairs and disrupted passenger access to the airport.
A spokesperson for Manchester Airport confirmed that low visibility and a technical issue on the taxiway were the main reasons behind the delays. So, it highlights how a minor infrastructure fault can cause major disruption when compounded by adverse weather.
Scale of Flight Delays and Cancellations
Flight tracking data revealed that departures were delayed by around 60 minutes and arrivals were approximately 45 minutes delayed. Moreover, passengers experienced delays of up to 6 hours from their original departure time in a few cases.
Several major airlines were affected, including EasyJet, Ryanair, and British Airways. EasyJet alone reportedly cancelled around a dozen flights. Hence, it had impacted an estimated 2,000 passengers.
Popular European routes such as Paris, Copenhagen, and Malaga were among the most affected due to their high frequency and reliance on quick aircraft turnaround times.
Impact on Passengers, Including UAE Travellers
The disruption was especially big for travellers from the UAE, especially those with connecting flights via Manchester to European destinations. This is because the single-runway operation created congestion, longer aircraft rotations, and missed onward connection. Therefore, it made schedules highly unpredictable.
Passengers were advised to monitor real-time flight updates closely, arrive at the airport at their originally scheduled departure time, and contact their airlines directly for assistance. Moreover, airlines also reminded affected passengers to check eligibility for refunds, rebooking options, and compensation, including food and drink vouchers where applicable.
Knock-On Effects Continue Despite Reopening
Runway repair was completed by the late morning. However, Manchester Airport warned of the ongoing knock-on delays as flight schedules struggle to recover. Moreover, average delays still hovered around one hour from 16:00 local time onwards. Hence, it highlights how difficult it is for airports to return to normal operation after a runway closure.
The timing of the disruption was also critical as Manchester Airport is getting ready for the biggest Christmas travel ever. In addition, more than 1.5 million passengers are expected between December 19 and January 4.
Why Manchester Airport Runway Closure Matters
Manchester Airport Runway Closure is a clear reminder of how vulnerable air travel infrastructure can be during extreme weather events. Moreover, the consequences can also be extended across the international travel network when a major hub is forced to operate with reduced capacity.
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