Following a “major” power outage that affected numerous flights, passengers are advised to avoid Manchester Airport.
Following an early-morning outage that affected security and luggage systems, a warning has been issued to passengers using Terminals 1 and 2.
With additional disruption likely throughout the day, enormous lines have formed inside the UK’s busiest airport outside of London, where over ten departure flights have been canceled and incoming planes have been redirected.
The airport spokesperson advised passengers using Terminal 3 to arrive at the airport as usual, but warned them that there is a possibility of delays.
Prioritizing Flights and Cancellations
Efforts to “work through that backlog” will prioritize flights of passengers already at the airport, according to the spokesperson.
Until at least midday, the airport’s departure board will likely display an increasing number of journeys as cancelled.
The airport told the BBC that “planes can’t take off,” canceling all incoming flights due to space issues.
This made receiving airplanes harder, therefore they were shifted elsewhere, the representative said.
When the primary power went out multiple times, the airport’s secondary power systems took over, although it got more complicated.
According to airlines, consumers could only bring a cabin bag on board due to issues with luggage processing.
According to Jet2’s statement, the disruption prevented baggage handlers from boarding planes.
Meanwhile, due to issues with the luggage system, an EasyJet representative stated that customers may only bring a cabin bag on board their trip.
Postponements in Manchester
The UK’s third busiest airport apologized to passengers after interruptions before summer vacations.
The power interruption “literally knocked everything off” according to an airport insider.
It also affected surrounding businesses, including significant logistics organizations.
“Enormous queues” met Bobbi Hadgraft at the airport at 04:00 BST, according to BBC Radio Manchester, who is watching England at Euro 2024.
She said, “We were worried we would miss our flight,” and that the power interruption had rendered the display boards and scanners useless, forcing personnel to walk travelers through the airport.
Passenger Advisory and Terminal 3 Updates
While he was delayed at passport check, Phillip Banfield’s jet took off, he said.
“Enormous number of passengers, stranded, wondering how they’re going to continue onwards journeys” he claimed to be faced with.
He added that check-in and security were “virtually impossible” without carry-ons.
The “chaos” and lack of communication from check-in and passport control workers have been criticized on social media.
Images and videos captured extended lines of people, with some standing in what appeared to be complete darkness.
The airport’s power went out at approximately 1:30 in the morning, but it has since been restored. However, it will still take some time for all the systems to be fully operational again.
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