Why are flights cancelled at Manchester airport? Reason for suspended departures, arrivals & delayed flights

Furious passengers have had to wait hours on end, with some calling for “heads to roll” after a mass disruption at a popular airport in the UK.

Travellers have faced chaotic delays and disruptions over the weekend at a popular airport in the UK, following mass power outages.

The disruptions temporarily affected terminal operations and caused inconvenience for passengers and staff at Manchester Airport, with reports of around 90,000 being impacted.

Despite the challenges, airport personnel worked swiftly to restore normalcy and ensure the safety and comfort of all travellers.

As reported by The Sun, a spokesperson for the airport said disruptions were caused by a major power cut in the area on Sunday morning, affecting both Terminal 1 and 2.

One passenger, Ian Ellison, said arriving at the airport early for his flight was “absolute chaos” after his plane was stuck on the tarmac for two hours.

Huge crowds at Manchester Airport after planes have been grounded. Picture: BBC

“It just seemed like there was no one from Manchester Airport Group there, it looked like the people from the airlines were trying to organise it … you could see the airlines were struggling,” he told The Sun, adding inside the terminal was like a “minefield”.

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

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

At 7.45am on Sunday local time, the airport said the power was running again but travellers should still expect delays.

It’s estimated 90,000 passengers were affected by the power cut, with 50 inbound flights and 66 outbound flights cancelled.

Huge crowds at Manchester Airport after planes have been grounded. Picture: BBC

Some claimed they waited up to eight hours at the airport, only to be told their departing flight was cancelled.

“Got up at 2.30am for a 3.30am taxi to Manchester Airport for 4.30am. Got there at 4.15am. Stood outside terminal for over 4 hours before flight and holiday was cancelled,” one person wrote on X.

“Horrendous experience at T1 today and heads should roll,” another wrote.

A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: “Power has been restored but the outage affected important systems, including the processing of boarding cards and baggage screening, which has caused significant delays.”

“All flights from Terminals 1 and 2 are being cancelled until further notice and passengers due to travel from those terminals are advised not to come to the airport and to stay in touch with their airlines.

“Flights due to fly from Terminal 3 should come to the airport as normal unless advised otherwise by their airline but could be affected by delays.

Manchester Airport crowds. Picture: The_ChrisShaw/X

Crowds at Manchester airport. Picture: The_ChrisShaw/X

“Flights for those passengers already checked-in are departing but are subject to delays.

“The disruption means some baggage may not be on those flights.

“We will work with airlines and handling partners to reunite affected passengers with their luggage as soon as possible.

“Some arriving flights are being diverted to other airports meaning people due to pick passengers up from the airport should check before setting out.

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

While the airport is “now in the process of resuming operations”, it is understood an investigation would take place next week to identify the cause of the outage.

– with The Sun