Why Manchester Airport Flight Delays Hit Travelers on Busiest Christmas Weekend

December 20, 2025 at 10:23 AM•3 min read

[Civil Aviation Authority](https://www.caa.co.uk) data shows **Manchester Airport flight delays** impacted thousands on Saturday, December 20, urging

Key Points

1Over 18 flights were delayed by more than 25 minutes at Manchester Airport on Saturday, December 20, with no cancellations reported as of 10am.
2Manchester Airport is anticipating its 'busiest Christmas ever,' with 1.5 million passengers expected between December 19 and January 4.
3The delays occurred during the peak holiday travel season, which the Civil Aviation Authority forecast as the busiest on record for UK airports.
4Long-haul carriers, including IndiGo and Singapore Airlines, were impacted alongside major European and budget airlines like easyJet and Jet2.

Manchester Airport flight delays affected numerous passengers on Saturday, December 20. This disruption occurred during the busiest travel period of the year. The airport is managing its busiest Christmas ever, expecting 1.5 million passengers. These travelers will pass through the hub between December 19 and January 4.

Friday, December 19, was the peak day for UK air travel. Nearly half a million passengers flew from UK airports, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Operational challenges are common during the winter season. Factors like weather and high passenger volume contribute to schedule changes.

Delayed Flights on Saturday, December 20

As of 10am, no cancellations were reported at Manchester Airport. However, multiple departures faced delays exceeding 25 minutes. This list includes both short-haul and long-haul international routes.

Key delayed flights included:

Long-Haul Routes: IndiGo flights 6E34 to Delhi and 6E32 to Mumbai saw significant delays. Singapore Airlines flight SQ301 to Singapore was also affected.
European Carriers: Ryanair to Budapest and KLM to Amsterdam experienced schedule changes.
Budget Airlines: easyJet and Jet2 flights to destinations like Lyon, Tenerife, and Geneva were delayed.

Context of Christmas Travel Chaos

The entire UK travel network is under strain this festive season. The CAA previously warned of record Christmas travel numbers. The regulator advised passengers to plan ahead. They stressed the need to check flight status due to potential winter weather.

Winter flight operations often face challenges. These issues include fog, strong winds, and the need for de-icing. The high volume of flights amplifies any minor disruption. This creates a challenging environment for all aviation stakeholders.

Passenger Impact and Outlook

Passengers are strongly advised to monitor their flight news updates before traveling. Last-minute schedule changes are more likely during this peak period. The airport expects December 28 to be another major peak day. Over 100,000 passengers are due to fly on that Sunday.

Even on Christmas Day, the airport remains busy. Eighty-five departures are planned, with almost 35,000 passengers expected. Dubai is forecast to be the most popular destination.

Check Status: Always confirm your flight status directly with the airline.
Know Your Rights: Passengers should be aware of their compensation rights under UK regulations for significant delays or cancellations.
Pack Smart: The CAA advises against wrapping gifts to avoid security delays.

For more updates on commercial aviation news and operational challenges, continue to monitor official airport and airline channels.