Manchester Airport Disrupted: Flights Delayed, Taxis in Short Supply, Roads Icy

The snow may be falling on runways, but for many travellers heading to Manchester Airport, the real trouble starts much earlier. On icy roads. In taxis that show up late. Or don’t show at all. Traffic slows. Then stops. No warning.

Flights are delayed. Some cancelled. But for a lot of passengers, the departure board isn’t the main worry anymore. It’s getting there. Just reaching the terminal feels like part of the challenge now. With freezing conditions across Greater Manchester, the trip to the airport has turned into something else entirely.

Road access around the airport has taken a hit. Icy patches are making driving risky and journeys longer. Mostly travellers are avoiding buses and trains and going for taxis or private cars for a smoother trip. That choice has pushed demand up fast. Too fast. Fewer taxis available. Longer waits. Delays are happening mostly in early morning for late at nights.

Sarah Malik stated:

“The flight delay was fine, I could deal with that. The taxi wasn’t. It kept cancelling and I nearly missed everything.”

Inside the airport, it’s tense but oddly quiet. Screens flicker. Gates change. People stand around scrolling, refreshing airline apps like it might help. Some flights are pulled altogether, especially short-haul European routes. Long-haul passengers aren’t spared either, with delays building up from air traffic restrictions elsewhere.

Outside, airport teams are clearing aircraft and runways when they can. It’s slow work. Planes can't just take off right away de-icing takes its time and safety comes first always. So travellers will be waiting little more.

If you’re travelling through Manchester Airport over the next few days, planning matters more than usual. Pre-booking a taxi isn’t optional anymore. Leaving early isn’t cautious, it’s sensible. Checking your flight before leaving home helps. Checking again on the way might save you.

Passengers should also be realistic about compensation. Weather disruption usually means no cash payouts, though airlines still have to offer care. Food. Accommodation. Rebooking. Ask for it. Especially if delays drag on.

Even if the snow eases, disruption may not. Roads recover slower than runways, and that gap is catching people out. Right now, the hardest part of flying from Manchester Airport isn’t the flight. It’s everything before the terminal doors.