Manchester Airport turns red as United fans fly to Spain for Europa Final

Thousands of Manchester United fans are expected to travel from Manchester Airport for this Wednesday’s Europa League final – and the airport is laying on a special send-off.

The famous honeycomb light feature in Terminal 2 is bathing the Departures lounge in red, with more than 30 charter flights set to depart on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, transporting fans to Bilbao ahead of the final – where Ruben Amorim’s men will take on Tottenham Hotspur.

The airport is encouraging fans to ensure they are well prepared ahead of their journey to northern Spain by allowing plenty of time for their journey to the airport, ensuring they have their documents prepared and their hand luggage packed in accordance with security rules, as well as having plans in place for their return journeys.

Jennifer Byrne-Smith, Customer Operations Director at Manchester Airport, said:

“We’re proud to connect Manchester to the world and look forward to welcoming thousands of Manchester United fans to our airport this week. It’s wonderful to see them competing in a major European final once again.

“We’re working closely with partners including the football club, airlines, and Greater Manchester Police to ensure fans get their trip off to the best possible start, and hopefully, the team can bring the trophy home with them.

“Please allow plenty of time for your journey to the airport, keep an eye on service updates if you are traveling here via public transport, check which terminal you’re traveling from, and arrive here at the earliest time your airline recommends.

“We’re aware that many fans will only be staying one or two days, so will, in many cases, only take hand luggage. It’s important you make sure that your hand luggage complies with the 100ml rule on liquids, gels, and pastes to avoid any issues at security.

“Many of the return charter flights from Bilbao will arrive back in the small hours of Thursday – if this includes your flight, please ensure you’ve made plans for how you’ll get home.

“If you’re being dropped off at the airport, you can use our new barrierless drop-off areas – these make the experience faster and more seamless – just remember to pay for using the area online or over the phone by midnight the following day. Free drop-off is also available at JetParks1, with a short bus shuttle to all three terminals.”