A recent report by Which? has unveiled a comprehensive ranking of the UK’s best and worst airports, with Cardiff Airport making it into the top 10. This annual survey collected nearly 7,000 responses to gauge various aspects of airport performance, including cleanliness, security queues, seating availability, and staff demeanor.
Manchester Airport’s Dismal Performance
Manchester Airport has unfortunately garnered the lowest ratings among UK airports. Travellers reported numerous issues including dirty terminals, long security queues, insufficient seating, unhelpful staff, and overpriced shops and restaurants. Manchester’s Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are at the very bottom of the rankings, while its newly refurbished Terminal 2 also did not fare well. This is particularly disheartening given Manchester’s status as a major airport hub.
In stark contrast, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, situated just 35 minutes away, was rated as the best in the UK. It scored high marks for its facilities, security, and overall passenger experience.
Cardiff vs. Bristol: A Comparative Overview
Cardiff Airport has outperformed its close rival, Bristol Airport, by a significant margin. Cardiff stands at 8th place with a consumer rating of 71%, while Bristol languishes at 22nd with a rating of 53%. Cardiff earned high ratings for the short length of queues at check-in and security, whereas Bristol struggled in these areas despite receiving better ratings for its staff.
This comes amid positive reports of increased passenger numbers and expanded flight options at Cardiff Airport. From January to July, the airport experienced an 8% growth in passenger numbers, prompting airlines like TUI, Vueling, and Ryanair to add more flights and destinations. Popular summer destinations from Cardiff include Alicante, Malaga, Amsterdam, Majorca, Dublin, and more.
Small Airports Steal the Show
The Which? survey highlights an interesting trend: the best-performing airports are generally smaller in size. Airports like Liverpool John Lennon and London City serve millions of passengers annually but are still dwarfed by the likes of Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester. Smaller airports such as Norwich, Exeter, and Southampton also fared well, earning high marks despite their limited range of flight destinations.
A Which? spokesperson commented, “The best airports in the UK have one thing in common – they’re all pretty small. While they may not offer as many flight options as larger airports, they provide a better overall experience.”
The Complete Rankings
The full list of airports as ranked by Which? is as follows:
- 1. John Lennon Liverpool
- 2. London City
- 3. Norwich
- 4. Exeter
- 5. Southampton
- 6. Bournemouth
- 7. Newcastle
- 8. Cardiff
- 9. Inverness
- 10. East Midlands
- 11. Belfast City (George Best)
- 12. Glasgow International
- 13. Leeds Bradford
- 14. London Heathrow Terminal 5
- 15. Edinburgh
- 16. Aberdeen
- 17. London Gatwick North Terminal
- 18. London Heathrow Terminal 2
- 19. Birmingham
- 20. London Gatwick South
- 21. London Heathrow Terminal 3
- 22. Bristol
- 23. London Heathrow Terminal 4
- 24. Manchester Terminal 2
- 25. London Stansted
- 26. London Luton
- 27. Belfast International
- 28. Manchester Terminal 1
- 29. Manchester Terminal 3
For Manchester Airport, the poor ratings have been a recurring issue. This is the third consecutive year that Terminal 3 has finished at the bottom of the survey. While Manchester Airport has announced a £1.3 billion investment in improvements, including the closure of Terminal 1 and the expansion of Terminal 2, the current survey results paint a bleak picture.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport, on the other hand, has received praise for its efficient security processes, excellent staff, and overall passenger experience. Travellers have noted how easy it is to park, get through security quickly, and relax in uncrowded passenger lounges. The airport earned high ratings across all key metrics, making it a standout choice for UK flyers.
