Manchester Airport generated an estimated £189 million from parking charges in the last financial year, accounting for nearly a third of its total £630 million revenue. The figure includes late payment fees from the airport's new barrierless parking system, prompting an MP to demand greater transparency.
Revenue Breakdown and Increase
The £189 million estimate represents a £20 million increase from the previous year. Airport bosses have declined to disclose how much is specifically from late payment charges but maintain that parking revenue is reinvested into the airport and helps keep airfares lower. The Manchester Airport Group (MAG), which also operates Stansted and East Midlands airports, reported total revenue of £1,515 million for the year ending March 2024, up 12% from the previous year. Manchester Airport contributed £630 million, a 12% rise of £68 million.
Parking accounted for 30% of MAG's total revenue, nearly matching aviation income. Applying this percentage to Manchester's revenue yields the £189 million estimate. The airport introduced barrierless parking to reduce congestion, with bosses claiming average pick-up and drop-off times of three minutes and lower costs for most drivers.
Controversial Payment System
Under the new system, drivers cannot pay on site and must pay a minimum of £5.50 online by midnight the following day. Many forget, resulting in a £100 late payment fee. This has sparked outrage, with MP Jim McMahon calling the system 'unfair' in Parliament. He urged the airport to break down income from planned parking, drop-off charges, and penalties.
Peter Walsh, 80, from Middleton, was charged £200 after forgetting to pay £5 for two trips. Nicola Maher, 46, from Stockport, received a £170 demand from a debt recovery agency after missing a £5 drop-off fee. Both described the charges as excessive.
Airport Response
A Manchester Airport spokesperson highlighted affordable options, including a free drop-off zone with shuttle buses and on-site public transport links. They noted that eight days' parking at JetParks starts at around £75, cheaper than many public car parks, and that the airport aims to offer value for all passengers.
MAG is one-third owned by investment fund IFM and two-thirds by the ten councils of Greater Manchester. The accounts show the group earned £516 million from aviation, £452 million from parking, and £375 million from retail.
