As the UK continues to grapple with the impacts of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, the North-South divide in the country's transportation links has become increasingly apparent. While London and the South of England benefit from extensive transport infrastructure and connections, the North has often been left behind. 

However, one bright spot in the North's transportation landscape is Manchester Airport.

Here's why this airport is crucial to the North of England's travel links:

A Key Hub for the North

Manchester Airport is one of the busiest airports in the UK, serving over 28 million passengers per year. As the largest airport in the North of England, it serves as a key hub for the region's travel links. The airport offers direct flights to over 200 destinations worldwide, including many long-haul destinations such as New York, Dubai, and Beijing. This makes it an important gateway to the rest of the world for people living in the North of England.

The Travel Savage top tip: Fares can actually be even lower at some regional airports in the area instead of Manchester, it's worth checking out the same route flying from Liverpool, Leeds Bradford or East Midlands airport before you book!

Supporting the Regional Economy

Manchester Airport is not just important for travel links; it also plays a crucial role in supporting the regional economy. The airport is responsible for around 25,000 jobs, making it one of the largest employers in the North West of England. It also contributes around £3 billion to the local economy each year. This economic impact extends beyond the immediate airport area, with many businesses in the region relying on the airport's connections to do business with other parts of the world.

Driving Growth in the Northern Powerhouse

The Northern Powerhouse is a government initiative designed to promote economic growth in the North of England. Manchester Airport plays a key role in this initiative by connecting the region to the rest of the world. By providing direct flights to major global cities, the airport makes it easier for businesses to operate internationally and for tourists to visit the North of England. This, in turn, drives economic growth and job creation in the region.

Investing in Infrastructure

To support its growing importance to the North of England's travel links, Manchester Airport is investing heavily in infrastructure. The airport recently completed a £1 billion transformation programme, which included the expansion of Terminal 2 and the construction of a new multi-storey car park. These investments have increased the airport's capacity and improved the passenger experience, making it even more attractive to travelers.

Embracing Sustainability

As the world becomes increasingly concerned about the impacts of climate change, sustainability has become a key issue for airports. Manchester Airport has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint and become more environmentally friendly. The airport has invested in renewable energy sources such as solar panels and biomass boilers, as well as implementing energy-efficient technologies throughout its operations. It has also introduced a range of initiatives to encourage sustainable travel, such as electric vehicle charging points and a bike rental scheme.

Supporting Community Initiatives

Manchester Airport is also committed to supporting the local community. The airport has a community trust, which supports a range of initiatives such as education programmes and community events. The airport also works with local charities and non-profits to provide support and funding for important projects. This commitment to supporting the community further cements Manchester Airport's role as a vital part of the North of England's infrastructure.

In Summary

In conclusion, Manchester Airport is a crucial part of the North of England's travel links. As the largest airport in the region, it serves as a key hub for both business and leisure travel. It also plays a crucial role in supporting the regional economy and driving growth in the Northern Powerhouse. With its investments in infrastructure and commitment to sustainability and community support, Manchester Airport looks set to remain a