Today, we will shed light on the ongoing Manchester Airport congestion issues faced by private hire drivers and the reasons behind them. The main reason for the critical approach by taxi and private hire drivers is persistent delays during passenger pick-ups and drop-offs.
Drivers have also claimed that travel into the region is usually straightforward, with motorways and nearby roads running smoothly. However, there was a Manchester Airport taxi drivers’ protest about delays as soon as vehicles enter the Manchester Airport grounds.
Let’s learn more about it.
Congestion Focused Around Terminal 2
Most of the private hire drivers at Manchester Airport have claimed that the most severe delays are concentrated around Terminal 2.
Problem areas include long queues on the slip road approaching the T2 roundabout, heavy congestion for vehicles entering via Runger Lane and the so-called “back route,” and gridlock around terminal pick-up and drop-off zones.
Many drivers describe the congestion as unpredictable. While some trips allow for a quick turnaround, others involve extended waits with no obvious cause.
Several drivers believe the inconsistency is linked to flight schedules, with traffic surges occurring when multiple arrivals and departures overlap.
Building Works and Terminal Changes Add Pressure
Private hire drivers have also highlighted ongoing construction work and terminal changes as major contributing factors. With an increasing number of flights and airlines now operating from Terminal 2, traffic volumes in and around the area have risen sharply.
The current infrastructure is one of the Manchester Airport traffic problems, as it is struggling to meet existing demand. That is raising concerns about how it will cope during peak travel periods, according to private hire and airport transfer drivers.
Private Hire Drivers’ Perspective
It’s frustrating and a sheer waste of time when private hire taxi drivers have to sit in traffic, once they are in the airport perimeter.
Private hire drivers are usually paid per completed journey, not per hour spent sitting in traffic. When vehicles are stuck in congestion, drivers are working but not earning, which directly reduces their daily income. This highlights poor internal traffic management issues. The uncertainty is also a major issue.
Many drivers can’t plan turnaround times and passengers become frustrated. Missed pickups or delays quickly lead to frequent complaints. Drivers are also concerned because the time stuck in traffic queues is not paid.
With the summer holidays fast approaching, private hire drivers are quite concerned. Passenger numbers are expected to surge, since there will be families travelling with additional luggage.
Therefore, peak-time congestion is likely to worsen, unless reasonable changes are made to traffic flow, better staging areas, or clearer separation between drop-off, pick-up, and through traffic. Otherwise, the strain on both drivers and passengers will continue to increase.
From a taxi and airport transfer perspective, the situation is becoming unsustainable. Drivers may reach the airport without issue, only to face significant delays once inside the perimeter. This highlights a serious problem with internal traffic management.
