The incident, initially reported as a ‘concern for welfare’, caused Terminal 2 drop-off and pick-up forecourts to be closed for hours, leading to gridlocked roads and passengers abandoning taxis
A man has been arrested following an incident that sparked chaos at Manchester Airport on Wednesday. Officers had initially responded to a welfare concern at Terminal 2.
The drop-off and pick-up areas were sealed off from lunchtime after reports emerged of a man positioned on the wrong side of barriers on the upper level of the car park. Pandemonium ensued as routes leading to the airport became completely jammed, with passengers spotted ditching their taxis mid-journey and choosing to walk with their luggage to catch their flights.
One traveller took to X to reveal she was ‘sat for half an hour 1.6 miles from the airport’, with severe congestion affecting motorists.
Another reported ‘lots of people waiting at JetPark1 for shuttle bus to T2 as advised’. High Peak bus services scrapped a service at Stockport due to the extent of the tailbacks, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Images from the scene revealed a massive accumulation of traffic in and around the airport. “Passengers are having to ditch taxis in a bid to make their flights,” said one person.
“An elderly disabled woman being dropped off at the roundabout of T2 at 11:40 because everyone was just being told drop off was closed and you had to walk,” another posted on X, followed by: “Why has this taken so long. Absolute shambles. Chaos outside the airport. No direction.”
Travellers making their way to the airport were advised to be dropped off at the free JetParks 1 location and to follow the guidance of marshals instead.
Shuttle services were put in place to transport all passengers to the terminal from that point, while extra patrol personnel were brought in to handle the traffic chaos. Terminal 3 remained unaffected.
The situation was resolved at approximately 4pm, with Manchester Airport advising passengers to ‘allow plenty of time for their journey’ owing to the congested road network surrounding the location. “We are grateful to our passengers for their understanding and patience this afternoon,” a statement added.
Video clips shared online from the incident appeared to show a shirtless man recording himself walking along the perimeter of the forecourt, on the incorrect side of the barrier, with footage revealing police on the road beneath and him swearing at staff members.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed a man, in his 40s, has been detained on suspicion of causing a public nuisance and a public order offence.
He has been remanded in custody for questioning by officers. It’s understood the incident is no longer being handled as a welfare matter as initially reported following investigations.
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