Manchester Airport generated an estimated £189 million from parking charges last year, including controversial late payment fees, according to an analysis by the Manchester Evening News. This represents nearly a third of the airport's total revenue of £630 million for the financial year ending March 2026, up £20 million from the previous year.
MP demands transparency on parking income
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton MP Jim McMahon, who has previously criticised the parking system in Parliament, called on the airport to be transparent about its parking income. He said: "The airport should be transparent and break down the income it receives so that the public can see what is generated through parking people plan and accept the cost of, how much is raised through drop off and pick up charges, and importantly how much is made through penalties and fines when people often get caught out."
McMahon added: "I've been campaigning on this issue for a significant period now because the problem has never been the principle of charging, it's a system that too often catches people out through confusing payment arrangements and disproportionate penalties often because of the lack of on the spot payment methods for drop off and pick up visits."
Barrierless parking system sparks fines
The airport introduced a barrierless parking system last year to reduce congestion. Motorists cannot pay on site but must pay a minimum £5.50 online by midnight the following day. Those who forget face a £100 late payment charge, which has been criticised as unfair.
Peter Walsh, 80, from Middleton, was charged £200 after forgetting to pay £5 for two visits. Nicola Maher, 46, from Stockport, received a £170 bill from a debt recovery agency after forgetting a £5 charge for dropping off her father.
Airport defends parking revenue
A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: "We offer parking and transport options to suit all budgets and preferences. Eight days' parking in one of our own JetParks car parks starts at around £75, which is significantly cheaper than most public car parks. We also offer a free drop-off service and are proud to be the only airport in the UK with a dedicated train, bus and tram station on-site."
The airport group MAG, which owns Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports, reported total revenue of £1,515 million for the year, with £452 million from parking across the group. Applying the same 30% proportion to Manchester Airport's £630 million revenue yields the estimated £189 million parking income.
