Connectivity

Greater Manchester has long recognised the importance of connectivity to the rest of the world. In the 19^th century the pioneering Manchester Ship Canal made the city Britain’s third busiest port, despite being 40 miles inland, and in more recent years, Greater Manchester invested heavily in the rapid growth and development of Manchester Airport as a gateway for the region and North of England. The Airport’s high-quality connectivity has helped support the creation of a thriving and prosperous economy in our city region.

The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the airport, with travel restrictions limiting passenger volumes to below five per cent of normal levels for long periods. Going forward it will be important to ensure that the airport recovers so that it remains internationally competitive and connected to as many international markets as possible to ensure the economic prosperity of the conurbation and wider North, and that this is delivered in a sustainable way.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority will continue to support Manchester Airport to re-build connectivity to key priority markets and support the recovery of Manchester Airport as a key asset, in line with our decarbonisation aims.