Manchester Airport updates — Delays and cancellations to flights as power cut sparks ‘absolute chaos’

‘People have been stuck for hours’

Passengers on social media have described the chaos at Manchester Airport after a power cut caused disruptions to all flights.

Posting on Twitter, passenger Aaron said: “We’ve been standing for over an hour and a half in the same spot.

“We’re still being told that ‘Normal services will resume ASAP’ – our flight leaves at 7.10am.”

Chris said: “Landed at 1am and still waiting on bags, it’s been disgraceful from all involved.”

Another passenger said: “An update on what’s being done to get this mess resolved ASAP would be more useful than apologizing for any inconvenience.

“People have been stuck for hours now, everyone in T1 is being very patient but they’re increasingly angry and fed up.”

What are my rights if my flight is canceled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is canceled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if traveling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

Manchester Airport’s advice to passengers

Manchester Airport said at 7.45am the power was running again but passengers continued to face a nightmare situation.

Those flying out of Terminals 1 and 2 have been told to stay away until further notice and to contact their airlines.

The airport has also warned that anyone who does manage to depart from Terminal 3 might have their luggage on a different flight.

Arriving passengers have also been warned they could be entertained at other airports.

Holidaymakers who are due to jet off later have been urged to check with their airline before setting off for the airport.

Airlines will organize any onward journey for those whose flights are canceled, it is understood.

Manchester Airport releases statement

A spokesperson said: “Manchester Airport was affected by a major power cut in the area earlier this morning.

“This has caused widespread disruption, particularly in Terminals 1 and 2.

“Passengers due to travel from Terminals 1 and 2 today are advised not to come to the airport until further notice and to contact their airlines.

“Passengers due to travel from Terminal 3 should come to the airport as normal unless advised otherwise but could be affected by delays.

“We are working to get passengers already at the airport onto their flights.

“The disruption caused by the outage means in some instances baggage may not be on those flights.

“We will work with the airlines to make sure passengers are reunited with any baggage that is not on their flight as soon as possible.

“A number of arriving flights are being entertained to other airports so anyone due to pick passengers up from the airport are advised to check before they travel.

“We apologize for any inconvenience and aim to restore normal service as soon as possible.”

Passenger describes ‘absolute chaos’ at the airport

Ian Ellison, 42, told The Sun arriving at the airport early this morning was “absolute chaos” after their flight was stuck on the tarmac for two hours.

The Chester man had returned from a lovely 10 day holiday to Paphos, Cyprus, with his wife and five-year-old son.

Their plane arrived at terminal one at 2.50am, but passengers weren’t allowed off the plane and became increasingly agitated with children on the flight “kicking off”.

He said: “The captain on the plane said he’s never experienced something like that.”

After finally catching a bus to terminal two at around 5am, Ian said there was a smooth pass through immigration – only find chaos on the other side.

“It was like a minefield walking through terminal two.

“Bags were absolutely everywhere with nobody to tell us which belt was where… it was utter chaos.”

Chaos at Manchester Airport after power cut

Passengers at Manchester Airport face travel chaos this morning with all flights canceled after a power cut.

Huge queues of furious passengers were unable to check in and a sea of ​​suitcases sit unclaimed with arriving travelers stuck on planes.

Travelers flying from Terminals 1 and 2 have been told to stay away from the airport until further notice.

Flyers told The Sun those terminals were like a “minefield” earlier as thousands of people were stuck inside with nowhere to go.

Hundreds of suitcases were also dumped at abandoned check-in areas as conveyor belts and computers had stopped working.