Manchester Airport tops list of most complained-about UK airports
March 12, 2026
Manchester Airport generates more passenger complaints than any other UK airport, according to a new analysis of online search data by airport transfer platform Mozio.
The study reviewed complaint-related searches made by travellers between February 2024 and January 2026. That included queries about airport parking, baggage problems and how to file complaints.
By comparing these searches with passenger numbers, the analysis identified which UK airports attract the highest overall and per-million-passengers complaint volumes.
The findings suggest that the UK’s busiest airports also tend to generate the largest number of passenger grievances — though some smaller airports rank higher when complaints are measured relative to passenger traffic.
Manchester Airport tops UK complaints ranking
Of all the UK airports in the Mozio complaints ranking, Manchester Airport tops the list with 8,810 complaint-related searches over the two years
The airport handled more than 62.8 million terminal passengers between 2024 and 2025, making it the largest airport outside London. Despite undergoing a £1.3 billion transformation programme, passenger frustration with the airport experience remains high.
The hub has faced scrutiny in recent years over security queues, baggage-handling issues, and operational disruptions.
Consumer watchdog Which? also ranked Manchester as the worst UK airport for passenger satisfaction in 2025, citing complaints about queues, overcrowding and facilities.
Heathrow and Gatwick rank among the UK’s most complained about airports
Behind Manchester, Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport rank second and third, respectively. Heathrow recorded a total of 6,600 complaints. However, its high passenger volume—168 million terminal passengers from 2024 through 2025—means its complaint rate per million passengers is lower than that of several smaller airports.
As Europe’s busiest airport and a global hub for long-haul travel, Heathrow inevitably experiences operational issues that can lead to a high rate of passenger complaints, particularly during peak travel periods.
Gatwick, the UK’s second-busiest airport, saw 4,350 complaint-related searches during the study period.
Regional airports record highest complaints per passenger
Passenger dissatisfaction is not limited to the UK’s largest aviation hubs; regional airports are also facing pressure as travel demand grows. When complaints are measured relative to passenger numbers, some smaller airports perform worse than the larger hubs.
Bristol Airport recorded the highest complaint rate, at 194 complaints per million passengers, followed by Birmingham Airport (146 per million), both higher than Manchester Airport (140 per million).
The full ranking of airports by passenger complaints
| Rank | Airport | Terminal passengers (2024–2025) | Complaints per million passengers | Total complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester | 62,817,000 | 140 | 8,810 |
| 2 | London Heathrow | 168,319,000 | 39 | 6,600 |
| 3 | London Gatwick | 86,038,000 | 51 | 4,350 |
| 4 | Bristol | 21,447,000 | 194 | 4,170 |
| 5 | Birmingham | 26,508,000 | 146 | 3,870 |
| 6 | London Stansted | 59,452,000 | 55 | 3,250 |
| 7 | Edinburgh | 32,749,000 | 89 | 2,930 |
| 8 | London Luton | 34,706,000 | 61 | 2,120 |
| 9 | Leeds Bradford | 8,669,000 | 129 | 1,120 |
| 10 | Glasgow | 12,270,000 | 88 | 1,080 |
| 11 | Liverpool | 10,685,000 | 94 | 1,000 |
| 12 | East Midlands | 8,089,000 | 112 | 910 |
| 13 | Belfast International | 13,427,000 | 56 | 750 |
| 14 | Newcastle | 10,623,000 | 65 | 690 |
| 15 | London City | 7,311,000 | 33 | 240 |
Source: Mozio analysis of complaint-related search data between February 2024 and January 2026.
Rising passenger numbers putting pressure on UK airports
According to Mozio CEO Nicole Kerr, the findings reflect the growing strain on airport infrastructure as travel demand continues to recover and expand.
“With around eight in ten Brits planning to travel abroad in 2026, our latest study aimed to reveal the airports where passengers can expect the most and least stressful experiences,” Kerr said.
“Manchester Airport topped the rankings, with more than 8,800 complaint-related searches made by passengers over the last 24 months. Manchester’s Terminal 2 has been transformed into a modern state-of-the-art gateway for passengers flying all over the world. However, it would appear from our findings that this transformation hasn’t resulted in fewer passenger complaints.”
Manchester Airport is already expecting record passenger numbers this year, with more than 2 million travellers passing through in January.
Tips for travellers during the summer airport rush
With another busy summer season approaching across Europe, Mozio advises travellers to take steps to minimise stress and avoid potential delays. Recommended strategies include:
- Arriving two to three hours before departure
- Checking in online before arriving at the airport
- Pre-booking airport transfers or parking
- Allowing extra time for security screening during peak travel periods
As passenger volumes continue to grow, airports across the UK face increasing pressure to improve operational efficiency and the overall traveller experience.
Featured Image: Manchester Airport
