Dual Runway Operations
Runway 1 is closest to the terminal buildings. When we are using a single runway, aircraft land and depart from Runway 1. Air traffic control issue instructions so that only one aircraft is on the runway at a time. To create a more efficient operation, aircraft can be positioned on a nearby ‘taxiway’ waiting to enter the runway once the previous aircraft has either departed or has vacated the runway after landing.
Manchester Airport has two runways. Between 2001 and 2020 both runways were used during the daytime. Our planning permission does not allow us to use Runway 2 between 10pm and 6am, unless we are undertaking maintenance on Runway 1 or there is an emergency.
When we use Runway 1 and Runway 2, air traffic control use one runway for arrivals and the other for departures. This makes it simpler for air traffic control to manage arrivals and departures, and reduces delays in the air and on the ground.
Dual Runway Operation timetable for a typical winter period:
| Days | From the 1st November |
| Monday to Friday | 06:30-11:00 and 16:00-20:00 |
| Saturday | 06:30-11:00 |
| Sunday | 16:00-20:00 |
Dual Runway Operation timetable for a typical summer period:
| Days | From the 1st April |
| Monday to Friday | 06:15-20:00 |
| Saturday | 06:15-16:00 |
| Sunday | 06:15-09:30 and13:00-20:00 |
Reasons for the use of Runway 2 between 22:00 to 05:59
- Each month Runway 1 can close to allow us undertake essential maintenance, the dates and times of these closures can be found here.
- In an emergency or if it is unsafe to use the existing runway.
You can find out more by watching this video:
