Consumer group Which? has named Manchester Airport's Terminal 3 the UK's worst airport for 2026, based on a survey assessing factors including check-in queues, passport control, cancellations and food and drink options. The findings matter for the millions of holidaymakers who pass through Britain's airports each year, highlighting a stark divide between struggling major hubs and smoother-running smaller airports. Manchester T3 scored just 52 per cent, with travellers reporting two-hour check-in queues from broken machines, 20-minute waits for cafes and toilets, and a lack of seating, which the airport attributed to an ongoing multi-million pound refurbishment.

Luton came second-worst with 57 per cent, followed by Manchester Terminal 2 on 58 per cent, London Stansted also on 58 per cent, and Edinburgh on 61 per cent. In contrast, Exeter was rated Britain's best airport with an 83 per cent score, earning five stars for check-in queues, security queues and cleanliness, while Liverpool John Lennon (79 per cent) and London City (78 per cent) took second and third place respectively. The results pointed to a broader pattern of smaller and medium-sized airports outperforming their larger counterparts on passenger experience.