Manchester Airport flight disruptions following security breach

A security breach at Manchester Airport caused significant flight disruptions on Friday night after an unauthorized individual entered the active airfield area. The incident occurred around 11:20 p.m., leading to a roughly 15-minute closure of the apron.

As a result of the breach, seven inbound flights were forced to divert to other UK airports, including East Midlands, Birmingham, Liverpool John Lennon, and Leeds Bradford. At least 17 other aircraft were held in holding patterns over the Peak District while air traffic controllers suspended arrivals. One TUI flight from Cape Verde declared a general emergency due to low fuel after circling Manchester multiple times before diverting to East Midlands.

Greater Manchester Police apprehended the individual, who was subsequently taken to a hospital for assessment. Officials indicated the incident was mental health-related. A damaged section of the airport fence has since been repaired.