Significant travel disruptions have unfolded at Manchester Airport due to ongoing airspace closures related to the military conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. As of Thursday, March 5, all flights from Manchester Airport have been cancelled, complicating travel plans for countless passengers. The situation has caused thousands of travellers to be stranded in the Middle East, including approximately 138,000 registered British nationals.
Manchester Airport Flight Cancellations
On Thursday, eight major flights were cancelled at Manchester Airport, adding to ten cancellations the previous day. The following flights were affected:
- 7.45 am – Doha (DOH), Qatar Airways, Flight QR022 – cancelled
- 8.25 am – Abu Dhabi (AUH), Etihad Airways, Flight EY078 – cancelled
- 10.15 am – Bahrain (BAH), Gulf Air, Flight GF004 – cancelled
- 11.15 am – Delhi (DEL), Indigo, Flight 6E034 – cancelled
- 12.00 pm – Kuwait (KWI), Kuwait Airways, Flight KU114 – cancelled
- 1.40 pm – Abu Dhabi (AUH), Etihad Airways, Flight EY074 – cancelled
- 2.05 pm – Doha (DOH), Qatar Airways, Flight QR028 – cancelled
- 7.55 pm – Abu Dhabi (AUH), Etihad Airways, Flight EY076 – cancelled
Impact on Travellers
The ongoing crisis has seen the airspace of multiple nations, including Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain, closed. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the situation as “serious and volatile,” emphasizing the government’s focus on the safety of British citizens abroad. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has urged nationals in affected regions to register with the Foreign Office crisis centre for real-time updates.
Passengers are advised to verify their flight status directly with airlines before heading to the airport, as flight disruptions are expected to persist. The first government-chartered rescue flight from Muscat faced delays due to technical issues but is anticipated to depart later today. Additional flights are set for Friday and Saturday to assist remaining nationals.
Passenger Rights
According to Skyscanner and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), passengers on UK and EU-based airlines retain certain rights under UK passenger rights legislation. Passengers affected by the cancellations may be entitled to refunds or rebooking, although the current extraordinary circumstances may impact claims for compensation.
As the situation evolves, Manchester Airport remains a focal point for travellers seeking to navigate the complexities of these unprecedented disruptions.
