Manchester Airport

Manchester International Airport is the fourth largest airport in the United Kingdom.

Most of the  airlines using it are European, with some international ones as well. For instance, Etihad Airways, Saudia, Gulf Air, and Emirates serve the Gulf countries. There are also Cathay Pacific flights to Hong Kong and Hainan Airlines to Beijing. One airline operates  transatlantic flights: the Canadian Air Transat, for the Manchester-Toronto route.

Since  Brexit,  European travellers have found it challenging to understand their rights in the UK. This is also true for air travel. Here are some explanations about your rights at Manchester Airport and UK airports in general.

departure area at manchester airport

Your rights at Manchester Airport

Since Brexit, the  United Kingdom is no longer a member state of the European Union. Therefore, it is no longer bound by European regulations. This includes Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 on compensation for travellers.

However, although the UK is no longer obliged to comply, it has incorporated and retained it in its national law. This is known as  UK261 regulation.

Compensation amounts

The  compensation scales are almost identical to those within the European Union:

  • €250 or £220 for flights under 1,500 km
  •  €400 or £350 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
  •  €600 or £520 for flights over 3,500 km
  •  €300 or £260 for flights over 3,500 km with less than 4 hours delay on arrival.

There are a few differences compared to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004:

  • Intra-community flights are not considered for the €400 compensation
  •  Regardless of the flight length, you are eligible for compensation from a 3-hour delay.

Depending on the situation, the UK compensation scheme can therefore be more advantageous or, conversely, less advantageous.

Which flights are covered by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 ?

Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 applies to:

  • all flights departing from an airport in the European Union, Switzerland, Iceland, or Norway
  •  all flights to an airport in the European Union operated by an airline based in the European Union, Switzerland, Iceland, or Norway.

If you have a  British Airways flight departing from Manchester, you are not covered, even if you are heading to a European airport. However, if you take a Eurowings (German airline) flight to Düsseldorf, Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 applies.

Strike at Manchester Airport

Whether  European or UK law applies, compensation is never automatic. The criterion of "exceptional circumstances" always applies. Strikes are one of the most common. Whether your situation falls under European or UK law (or both), two criteria are considered:

  • the consequences of the incident for you
  •  the causes of the incident.

In the case of a strike, it is assessed on a case-by-case basis: it all depends on who is striking.

At an airport, it's not just airline staff. There are also air traffic controllers, baggage handlers, etc. These professions are essential for the smooth operation of the airport and air traffic. However, they have different employers. If they go on strike, the airline is not responsible. However, if it is the airline's own staff striking, the airline is responsible and must compensate you.

Compensation for a flight delay at Manchester Airport

If your flight is delayed, you may be entitled to delay compensation. If you arrive at Manchester Airport from a European airport, you are eligible for compensation from:

  • 2 hours delay for flights under 1,500 km
  •  3 hours for an intra-community flight over 1,500 km or an extra-community flight between 1,500 and 3,500 km
  •  4 hours delay for an extra-community flight over 3,500 km.

If you are departing from Manchester to the European Union with a European airline, this regime still applies. But if you fly with another airline, UK261 regulation applies. It is applicable from a 3-hour delay.

Claiming compensation for a cancelled flight at Manchester Airport

If your flight is cancelled, the criteria are roughly the same. For a flight covered by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, the compensation may be reduced if the delay is limited:

  • from €250 to €125 for flights under 1,500 km with less than two hours delay
  •  from €400 to €200 for extra-community flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km or intra-community flights over 1,500 km with less than 3 hours delay
  •  from €600 to €300 for extra-community flights over 3,500 km with less than 4 hours delay

There are two differences in the application of UK261 regulation:

  • for medium-haul flights, compensation is reduced for less than 2 hours delay at departure and less than 3 hours delay at arrival
  •  there is no concept of "intra-community" flight
group of planes waiting for passengers at manchester airport

Overbooking at Manchester Airport

There are times when the airline may deny you boarding for valid reasons. These will not entitle you to compensation. However, in the case of overbooking, it is indeed the airline's responsibility.

Whether your flight is covered by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 or UK261 regulation, you are eligible for compensation according to the same scale as in the case of flight cancellation.

What to do in case of a flight issue at Manchester Airport?

During air travel, you may encounter many issues. However, in all cases, the airline remains the primary point of contact.

Even if the airline is not responsible for the incidents you encounter, it must get you to your destination.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline must:

  • inform you of the reason
  • provide information on solutions (re-routing)
  • give you access to a phone (you are entitled to two calls)
  • provide you with food and drinks
  • ensure accommodation if you have to wait until the next day to depart

This assistance is provided for under both European and UK law.

Delayed assists you in case of flight disruption at Manchester Airport

Did you encounter difficulties on a flight to Manchester from a European airport? Or did you experience a delay, cancellation, or overbooking with a European airline departing from Manchester?

You may be eligible for compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. Delayed, a specialist in air passenger rights, supports and helps you enforce your rights. Contact us and claim up to €600 on your flight ticket.