Brits are escaping the winter chill in droves this February half-term, with Tenerife and Dubai topping the list of sunny destinations.
Manchester Airport is bracing for a surge in passenger numbers, following a record-breaking January.
This year’s first major school holiday promises a welcome break for families and individuals alike, with many craving warmer climates.
Following a Busy January
Manchester Airport recently celebrated its busiest January ever, with 1.9 million passengers travelling through its terminals. This represents a 9% increase compared to January 2024, the previous record holder.
Impressively, despite the high volume of travellers, the airport maintained efficient security processing. An overwhelming 99% of passengers cleared security in under 15 minutes, and an even more remarkable 84% waited less than five minutes.
800,000 Passengers Expected
With over 800,000 passengers expected to depart or arrive at Manchester Airport during the half-term week, popular destinations are varied.
Amsterdam and Dublin remain strong contenders for short city breaks, attracting those seeking convenient European getaways and connecting flights.
However, the allure of sunshine is undeniable, with Dubai and Tenerife leading the charge for warm-weather escapes.
Tenerife and Dubai Top the List
Tenerife offers balmy temperatures reaching up to 25°C, while Dubai boasts even warmer conditions, potentially hitting 27°C.
These reliable sunny climates make them ideal choices for holidaymakers seeking a dose of vitamin D. Other popular sun-drenched destinations include Alicante, Lanzarote, and Qatar, all anticipating a significant influx of passengers from the North of England.
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, expressed his enthusiasm for the half-term rush. “February half-term is always an exciting time,” he commented.
“It’s the first school holiday of the year, providing a fantastic opportunity to escape the UK’s cold weather and soak up some sunshine.”
He highlighted the airport’s extensive network of nearly 200 destinations, served by over 50 airlines. This vast network, he explained, positions Manchester Airport as the leading gateway in the North of England, offering travellers unparalleled choice, value, and flexibility.
Mediterranean Favourites
“During half-term,” Woodroofe continued, “we anticipate many travellers heading to Mediterranean favourites like Tenerife and Lanzarote, where the weather is already pleasant. We also expect significant numbers travelling to the Middle East, Barbados, Orlando, and other sun-kissed locations.”
He reassured passengers of a smooth and efficient experience at Manchester Airport. “Passengers travelling next week can expect excellent service. Despite our record-breaking January, we maintained high standards, with 84% of passengers clearing security in under five minutes.”
Looking ahead, Woodroofe emphasized the airport’s ongoing £1.3 billion transformation program. “We are preparing for an epic year at Manchester Airport as we approach the completion of our ten-year transformation,” he stated.
“The full opening of the award-winning Terminal 2 is anticipated later this year, along with numerous other enhancements designed to elevate the passenger experience across all terminals.
Manchester’s Top Sun Destinations
Manchester Airport lists the top destinations offering temperatures above 20°C during February half-term. Top choices include the vibrant city of Dubai, the popular Canary Island of Tenerife, and the sunny shores of Alicante.
Further afield, you can explore the cultural richness of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, or relax on the beaches of Lanzarote, Malaga, Abu Dhabi, and Marrakech. For those seeking a longer haul adventure, Orlando, Agadir, Bridgetown, Hurghada, and Jeddah also offer tempting warm-weather escapes.
The ongoing transformation of Manchester Airport will culminate in the doubling of Terminal 2’s size. This newly expanded terminal, already recognized with the UNESCO-backed Prix Versailles for its architecture and design, will feature over 20 new shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes.
Exciting additions include a Chanel store, a JD Wetherspoon pub, and the innovative Great Northern Market eating concept. Airfield improvements are also underway to enhance efficiency, and plans are in development for upgrades to Terminal 3.
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The post Manchester Airport: Tenerife and Dubai in Demand as Brits Plan for School Holidays appeared first on AviationSource News.