Manchester Terminal 3 has been named the UK's worst airport for the fourth year in a row, scoring just 52% in a new survey by consumer champion Which?. The survey, based on responses from over 6,000 passengers who took 8,000 trips, ranked 27 of the UK's commercial airports. Exeter emerged as the best, with an impressive 83% customer score.
Survey reveals passenger dissatisfaction
Which? asked travellers to rate airports on factors including late cancellations, food and drink outlets, check-in and passport control queues, cleanliness, and seating. The survey also considered 'rip-off' drop-off fees and 'exhausting' layouts. Manchester T3's low score led Which? reviewers to describe it as 'quite appalling,' with the consumer champion advising passengers to 'fly from Liverpool instead.'
Passenger complaints about Manchester T3 focused on poor layout and excessive walking distances. One traveller told Which? that their experience was 'defined by poor layout and a lack of passenger consideration,' adding that 'the walking distances are excessive, exacerbated by the fact that security and lounges are located in the old T1 area, forcing a constant backtrack.' Another complained of 'long and exhausting walk from the airport rail/tram station,' especially when carrying heavy luggage and when moving walkways are out of action.
Queues and facilities under fire
In the queuing category, Manchester T3 came in last place alongside Luton, Manchester Terminal 2, London Stansted, and Birmingham. One traveller reported enduring a two-hour check-in queue due to broken check-in machines, 20-minute queues for cafés and toilets, and 'nowhere to sit,' calling the situation 'appalling for a supposedly modern airport.'
Manchester T3's scores were uniformly low: customer service, check-in queues, airport security queues, passport control queues, baggage reclaim wait, seating, food and drink, and cleanliness all scored 2 out of 5.
Airport responds with refurbishment plans
In response to the survey, Manchester Airport told Which? that a 'project ongoing to remove and replace the old travelators' is part of a multi-million-pound refurbishment scheme. The airport also plans to use 'freed-up space' from Terminal 1 to expand the entrance, security area, and departure lounge, with more shops and restaurants to be added. Despite the negative scores, Manchester Airport noted that 75% of its passengers waited five minutes or less to reach security.
The closure of the original Terminal 1 in November 2025, with parts rebranded and integrated into Terminal 3, contributed to the low layout score. This integration led to the 'constant backtrack' described by passengers.
Exeter leads as best UK airport
Exeter, which topped the survey with an 83% score, was praised for short queues, cleanliness, and customer service. Travellers highlighted the quick time from landing to leaving the airport, a car park just a two-minute walk from the terminal, and 'no queues anywhere.' The departure lounge was also noted for its comfortable seating.
Smaller airports like Exeter and Southampton benefit from their size, offering smoother and quicker journeys. However, travellers heading to long-haul destinations that require major airports should consider these findings. The top 10 UK airports in 2026 are: Exeter (83%), Liverpool John Lennon (79%), London City (78%), Norwich (78%), Cardiff (77%), Bournemouth (76%), East Midlands (75%), Southampton (74%), Belfast City George Best (73%), and Newcastle (73%).
