1.7 million passengers travelled through the airport last month, marking a 500,000 increase in February last year and 93% of February 2019s numbers.
New data shows the UK's Northern global gateway welcomed 93% of 2019's February footfall last month, with low-cost carriers showing impressive recovery with 99% of pre-pandemic passenger numbers (865,000).
Long-haul markets are also recovering well, with 320,000 passengers travelling throughout February (92% of pre-pandemic levels).
February's most popular destination was Dubai, as over 88,000 passengers travelling to the Middle Eastern hub.
Dublin, Amsterdam, Tenerife and Paris comprised the rest of Manchester Airport's top five destinations.
Manchester Airport's managing director, Chris Woodroofe, commented: “It’s fantastic to see so many travellers choosing to fly through Manchester Airport and passenger numbers returning to normal shows how far we’ve come.
“It’s also interesting to see how the landscape has changed with more people looking to travel long-haul than previously. It confirms Manchester Airport’s role as the UK’s global gateway in the North – whether you’re flying to Europe or going further afield.”
